The surprising detail that always got under the NFL legend’s skin
What Bill Belichick Says Tom Brady ‘Hated’ on the Field(AP Photo/Steven Senne, file)LAPRESSE
When discussing legendary sports duos, the combination of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick immediately comes to mind. Together, they not only built a dynasty with theNew England Patriots, but they redefined what it means to win in the NFL. Over two decades, Brady and Belichick accumulated six Super Bowl rings, dominating the league with an unprecedented level of synergy. Yet, despite their overwhelming success, the two often approached the game with different mindsets. Belichick, a defensive mastermind, led from the sidelines, while Brady orchestrated the offense like a maestro on the field.
Their relationship, while filled with respect and admiration, wasn’t without tension. Brady, known for his relentless work ethic and perfectionism, sometimes clashed with Belichick’s old-school style. But those clashes never overshadowed the ultimate goal: winning. And win they did, as their partnership will forever be etched in NFL history. Behind that success, however, were the intricate details that fueled Brady’s competitive fire. One such detail, revealed by Belichick himself, shines a light on what truly got under the quarterback’s skin during games.
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On a recent episode of his “COACH” podcast, Belichick shared an insight into what drove Brady on the field – and, more specifically, what frustrated him. According to Belichick, there was one thing Brady absolutely despised: being limited to just one option on a play. While Brady was praised for his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, he needed the freedom to exercise his options fully.
“What Tom hated was a play that only gave him one option,”Belichick said. “Like, we’re gonna run this play, we’re gonna throw to this guy. That’s great if it works, but if he’s not open, then what are we gonna do? We don’t have anything else.”
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Brady’s desire for flexibility wasn’t just a personal quirk – it was an essential part of what made him one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. With multiple options available, Brady had the ability to dissect defenses and find the best possible outcome on any given play. He thrived in chaos, and restricting his choices felt like tying his hands. As Belichick recounted, Brady would often express his frustration: “‘Here we go again. I never want to call a play where I only have one option on the play. I hate that.'”
This dynamic led to a deeper understanding between the coach and his quarterback. Belichick, known for his meticulous game planning, learned to adjust based on Brady’s preferences. “You give Tom a lot of options, he would always pick out the best one,”Belichick continued.“It was great because it always reinforced me. Like, I’ll make sure I don’t call that play because I know what Tom’s thinking.”
Tom Brady explained why Bill Belichick always had the Patriots prepared for every moment. MUST LISTEN 🔊 pic.twitter.com/dgJsodTpSB
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The mutual understanding between the two was a critical component of their success. Belichick knew how to push Brady, but he also knew when to listen. That trust – even in the face of their occasional disagreements – allowed the Patriots to dominate the NFL for nearly 20 years. “When you know what your quarterback’s thinking and he knows what you’re thinking, it makes everything so much easier,” Belichick concluded.
Though they’ve since gone their separate ways, with Brady now retired and Belichick without a team to coach, the legacy of their partnership remains unmatched. The trophies, accolades, and unforgettable moments on the field are testaments to their combined brilliance. And while there were moments of frustration, as Belichick’s story highlights, those very moments helped shape their legendary status.