In a compelling new documentary titled “The Dynasty,” the conclusion of the New England Patriots’ remarkable era of success is depicted as accelerated by the deterioration of the relationship between quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. Had the bond between these legendary figures reached a toxic level capable of dismantling a dynasty?
If Brady’s words are taken as truth, it seems his decision to part ways with his long-time coach was the final blow to the Patriots’ reign of dominance in the NFL. “Coach Belichick and I shared 20 years of doing what we loved and competing together,” Brady stated in an interview for “The Dynasty” (via The Athletic). “But I wasn’t willing to commit to another contract in New England, even if I wanted to play until I was 50. Given how things unfolded, I couldn’t sign up for more of the same.”
With the premiere of the 10-episode documentary set for Friday on AppleTV+, The Athletic has provided a review of this candid exploration of the Patriots’ two-decade-long journey at the pinnacle of professional football.
One of the documentary’s most intriguing aspects is the evolution of the relationship between arguably the greatest quarterback in the game’s history and his head coach. While tension between the two has been evident since Brady’s departure in March 2020, the extent of animosity may surprise even the most devoted Patriots fans.
“Players, including some still on the roster, reveal how challenging it was to play for Belichick,” wrote The Athletic’s Chad Graff. “Rob Gronkowski described arriving at 1 Patriot Place and dreading going into work. Wes Welker likened Brady to an abused dog for continually returning to work for Belichick.”
The review also delves into the role of team owner Robert Kraft in the breakdown of the Brady-Belichick partnership, portraying the 82-year-old as a mediator between his franchise’s two most valuable assets. “Tom and I had numerous discussions about Bill’s treatment of him,” Kraft shared in the documentary. “Tommy is very sensitive. He always sought Bill’s approval, almost in a father-son dynamic. But that’s not Bill’s way of operating.”
Ironically, Kraft himself experienced irreconcilable differences with Belichick, leading to a “mutual and amicable” parting of ways in January. This aspect is not covered in the miniseries or Jeff Benedict’s book of the same name, which serves as the basis for the documentary.
It’s important to view both the quotes mentioned above and those that follow with the full context provided by the documentary itself.
While initial reviews of the documentary may overshadow the fact that the prolific Brady-Belichick partnership remains one of the most successful in professional sports history, the candid revelations, particularly from Brady, offer a new perspective on the end of one of the NFL’s greatest yet most controversial eras.
