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When Tom Brady left the New England Patriots following the 2019 season, there were plenty of whispers that his relationship with Bill Belichick had deteriorated.
“The Dynasty,” Apple TV+ new 10-part documentary series on the Patriots’ extended run of greatness brings to light just how bad things had gotten.
Chad Graff of The Athletic describes one scene where Brady faces the camera and bluntly describes the end of his tenure with the Patriots.
“Me and coach Belichick, we did what we loved and competed for 20 years together,” Brady says in the clip. “But I wasn’t going to sign another contract (in New England) even if I wanted to play until (I was) 50. Based on how things had gone, I wasn’t going to sign up for more of it.”
Graff writes some of Brady’s former teammates, as well as Patriots owner Robert Kraft, also spend time discussing the fallout between the quarterback and his head coach.
“They describe a hostile work environment and miserable atmosphere inside the team’s headquarters,” Graff added.
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and Wright Thompson had previously reported last month that Belichick told Kraft toward the end of Brady’s tenure that the quarterback “couldn’t play anymore.”
“Bill had told me he couldn’t play anymore,” Kraft said, “and then he goes out and wins the (expletive) Super Bowl.”
It should be noted, however, that Belichick was incredibly complimentary of Brady when the QB retired and Brady returned the favor when his former coach’s time with the Patriots ended after 24 seasons.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL,” Brady said in January. “I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next.”
“The Dynasty” premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, with two episodes dropping every Friday for the next five weeks.