The long-awaited moment between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick finally came after the Bucs finished off a 19-17 win over the Patriots Sunday night. If you blinked, you might have missed it.
Watch below to re-live the final moments of the Patriots’ loss to Tampa Bay, which turned out to be a tightly contested battle between the 1-3 Pats and the defending Super Bowl champions. Brady and Belichick had a quick hug in the scrum on the field, but the reality wasn’t as cold between the two as the one little moment would indicate.
According to multiple reports, Belichick went into the Bucs locker room for over 20 minutes after the game and talked with Brady in a private area. The two then exited the locker room together. It was a planned interaction, and one that seemed to be more cordial and pleasant than Brady and Belichick’s relationship is portrayed publicly, according to Brady’s reaction.
“We’ve had a lot of personal conversations that should remain that way and are very private,” Brady said. “And I would say so much is made of our relationship. You know, as I said earlier this week, from a player’s standpoint you just expect the coach to give you everything he’s got, and I’m sure as a player that’s what he was hoping from me. But nothing is really accurate that I ever see. It’s all kind of – definitely doesn’t come from my personal feelings or beliefs. I got a lot of respect for him as a coach and obviously a lot of respect for this organization and all the different people here that try to make it successful.”
Nothing but love between @TomBrady and his former @Patriots teammates and coaches. #TheReturn pic.twitter.com/YaxnqNVZwM
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2021
If not for Brady’s postgame comments, the media machine may have made a whole lot out of that hug (or lack thereof) all over again. But it seems Brady and Belichick were able to have a better conversation in private after the game. “Catch up,” as Brady put it.
You can watch the above clip to see the brief Brady-Belichick interaction, plus postgame hugs with former teammates like David Andrews, Matthew Slater, Deatrich Wise, Brandon Bolden, Josh McDaniels, Chase Winovich, J.C. Jackson, and Brian Hoyer, among others.
MORE: Patriots fall to Bucs 19-17
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.