Tom Brady Gets Emotional Discussing Decision to Leave Patriots: ‘Life Is Very Imperfect’

Brady says the tears stemmed from “a chapter coming to an end” in New England, “and I expressed that to Bill too,” he says in the clip.

Belichick, 71, tells viewers, “I would say that’s kind of what I expected,” regarding Brady’s reveal. The head coach says, “Saying goodbye is always hard,” but ultimately shares that he thinks Brady “made the right and the best decision.”

Reflecting on his choice and the tough conversations with Belichick and Kraft, Brady says, “Life is very imperfect, and relationships are imperfect, but I’m very proud of our journey.”

An teary Brady then says, “It was hard, but, um, but it was great.”

According to the Athletic, The Dynasty is “the most comprehensive view yet” of how sour the relationship between Belichick and his former players, including Brady, had become near the end of his tenure with the team.

“Me and coach Belichick, we did what we loved and competed for 20 years together,” Brady said in an episode of the series, per The Athletic. “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,” Brady added.

The now-retired quarterback had reportedly sought a two-year contract worth $50 million after the 2019-2020 season, which the Patriots were unwilling to offer. Instead, Brady became a free agent and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the same amount in March 2020.

In January, Belichick parted ways with the Patriots after 24 years. “This is a day of gratitude and celebration,” he said during his departing press conference on Jan. 11.

“I’ll always be a Patriot,” he added.

The longtime Patriots coach holds the record for most Super Bowl victories and appearances by a head coach, as well as the most conference and division titles. All came during Belichick’s 24-year tenure with the team, the fifth longest coaching tenure in NFL history.

When Belichick’s departure was made official, Brady honored his former coach in a post on Instagram.

Brady said he was “incredibly grateful” for his time in New England with Belichick, calling him “the best coach in the history of the NFL.” He added, “I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick,” and “I am forever grateful.”