Brady, LeBron, Moss, Sports World React to Belichick Leaving Patriots

Bill Belichick's departure from the New England Patriots netted remarks from a vast group of names across the sporting landscape.

The New England Patriots officially parted ways with head coach Bill Belichick on Thursday, ending a 24-year run that netted six Super Bowl titles.

In the aftermath of Belichick's Thursday morning press conference with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, messages have rolled in from across the sports landscape. Several icons, be it Belichick's former star quarterback Tom Brady or NBA superstar LeBron James, are saluting the 71-year-old's unprecedented career in Foxboro.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY

Brady issued a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday afternoon upon.

"I'm incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL," Brady wrote. "He was a great leader for the organization, and for all of the players who played for him. We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be hard to replicate. ...

"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."

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A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady)

Naturally, James didn't offer as much of a sentimental statement as Brady, but still made his feelings towards Belichick quite clear.

Coach Belichick is such a LEGEND!!!! 🫡 man

— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 11, 2024

Several of Brady's former teammates offered similar messages, including the likes of receiver Julian Edelman, linebacker Jamie Collins, and safeties Patrick Chung and Jason McCourty.

Wouldn’t change a thing coach #FoxboroForever pic.twitter.com/pelLmjkLko

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) January 11, 2024

Damn times changing. Glad to have been apart of this tho. Coach Goat https://t.co/8qBWX24u73

— Jamie Collins (@JamieLee601) January 11, 2024

Greatest ever. Thank you for everything. Me, my family, my son. Shaping me into a football player and a man. Love you pic.twitter.com/6kuk5xALtd

— Patrick Chung (@PatrickChung23) January 11, 2024

One of the greatest moments in Patriots franchise history! pic.twitter.com/EhHeAgQ4Ln

— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) January 11, 2024

Hall of Fame defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who earned five Pro Bowl nods in eight years under Belichick, offered high praise for his former coach.

the greatest football mind to ever live 🐐 https://t.co/gtEdlmw8df

— Richard Seymour (@BigSey93) January 11, 2024

A pair of current Patriots also weighed in, with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and linebacker Mack Wilson both tweeting their thoughts.

The Greatest! Thank you🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐

— Davon Godchaux (@ChauxDown) January 11, 2024

🤦🏾‍♂️

— MWS 🚀 (@MackWilSr) January 11, 2024

Beyond Belichick: Leading Candidates to Be Next Patriots Coach

Said Hall of Famer and former Patriots receiver Randy Moss, "Give this man his respect and his just due. In my eyes, he's the greatest coach that the NFL has ever seen. I wish I could get out on a boat with Coach and do some fishing and talk it up. I wish him the best."

The Patriots will begin their search to replace Belichick immediately, with linebackers coach Jerod Mayo widely regarding as the leading candidate.

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