It seems that Tom Brady’s tenure with the New England Patriots wasn’t always smooth sailing. Despite winning multiple Super Bowl rings alongside Bill Belichick, challenges behind the scenes may have contributed to his eventual departure from the team.

Tom Brady minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders © Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesTom Brady minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders

Tom Brady is embracing his post-NFL career with roles as an analyst and minority owner. However, his departure from the New England Patriots remains a topic of intrigue, with Brady recently shedding light on one of the reasons behind it: tensions with legendary coach Bill Belichick.

In his personal newsletter “199,” Brady revealed the nature of the friction with his former head coach, stating: “The reality was, after twenty years together, a natural tension had developed between where Coach Belichick and I were headed in our careers, and where the Patriots were moving as a franchise.”

According to Brady, resolving this tension required a significant separation. He explained: “It was the kind of tension that could only be resolved by some kind of split or one of us reassessing our priorities.” Brady ultimately parted ways with the Patriots at the end of the 2019 season.

The final Patriots game with Brady under Bill Belichick’s leadership was a loss at home against the Dolphins—one of four defeats during the 2019 campaign. Their season concluded in disappointment, falling short in the Wild Card round against the Titans.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick after a game of the New England Patriots in 2019

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick after a game of the New England Patriots in 2019

Brady also shared insights about his decision to join the Buccaneers

Reflecting on the choice, he said: “In the end, I chose Tampa, almost exactly five years ago now, because, in the aggregate, it graded out higher than New England along those twenty or so dimensions.” Brady reportedly made his decision after ranking his priorities carefully.

Belichick was alone in New England

Meanwhile, Belichick and the Patriots faced steep challenges following Brady’s departure. The team struggled to reclaim its dominance, shifting from a perennial favorite to an unexpected underdog. Belichick’s attempts to find a suitable replacement quarterback fell short, leaving the franchise in decline.