Tom Brady wanted to say goodbye to his longtime coach in the end. According to a new book, Bill Belichick claimed he was not available but insisted that the two New England Patriots legends speak on the telephone.
Brady said that Belichick had told Brady he was the "best player the league has ever seen", but Brady explained to a friend that the fact it was over the phone was "telling" how the relationship between the two had deteriorated over time. Liveright Publishing will publish the book "It's Better To Be Feared" by ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham on Oct 12. It is based on hundreds upon interviews with a variety of sources including previously confidential emails and texts, game plans and internal New England studies. One in which Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were interviewed about personality traits that fuelled their greatness.
The book explores the secrets and controversies of the Patriots franchise, which ruled the NFL from 2001 through 2019. It also reveals the power dynamics between Robert Kraft, Belichick, and Tom Brady. The book also examines the ways that some of the most prominent names in the league dealt with the juggernaut. Wickersham writes that the success of the league brought out the football genius, as well as the flaws, of Kraft, Brady, Belichick, and Kraft.
Wickersham wrote that Brady left New England because Kraft and Belichick refused to make him a commitment until his goal of playing until age 45. It was also believed that Belichick believed Brady was near the end. However, he wanted to be with an organization that would listen to his ideas rather than ignore them. This is what he found in Tampa Bay.
"Tom Brady was curious if there were other ways to win, and while no one was arguing with Bruce Arians being a better coach than Bill Belichick or even close, Brady's seamless proficiency and performance were making Belichick's methods look antiquated, even absurd," the book states. It was better to be afraid -- but was it necessary?
Wickersham cites Belichick as an example of the damage the dynasty has done. According to the book, Bill O'Brien once told a colleague that he wanted to be fired as Houston Texans coach because he believed he could succeed Belichick. Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, was much closer to Belichick than they had been previously. They once met in secret in an airplane hangar in New England to discuss rule changes. Goodell's aides tried unsuccessfully to convince him to drop the Deflategate inquiry because of the potential damage to the NFL brand.
New England's historic run saw six Super Bowls in 19 Years. However, there were many controversies: Spygate and Deflategate.
Kraft's influence on the team, league and Kraft are explored in depth. The book portrays Kraft as a patient and idealistic leader who is a friend and loyal friend to the league. However, he also possesses ruthless tendencies that can often be attributed to his head coaches. Wickersham wrote that Kraft, Brady, and Belichick tried to put aside their grievances to win in 2018, despite the Pats' success.
Wickersham wrote that Brady was fed up with team-friendly deals without any input on how the money was spent. He still wanted a long-term contract commitment. "Belichick said to associates that all organizational decisions now were in support of Brady and geared towards pleasing him and making him succeed -- and Kraft interfered with the team with opinions and restrictive budgets.
Kraft was in Aspen (Colorado), in September for a conference. He met a few of his friends in the lobby of the hotel one morning. He informed them that he was going to Detroit later, where the Patriots were playing. Kraft stated, "I hate leaving here." "You leave here and you will be surrounded by some of the most talented people you have ever met." All these brilliant minds give you so much knowledge. I must go to Detroit to meet my head coach, the largest -----ng in my life. "
Kraft said to a confidant that Bill was an idiot savant, according to the book. This reference to Belichick’s reputation before he hired him as the former coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2000. "I gave him the opportunity."
According to the book, the strain in the franchise was already there for many years. According to people close to Brady, Brady may have attempted to force a trade if there had been an NFL franchise in Los Angeles years before.
Wickersham writes that "Kraft groaned sometimes to confidants Belichick didn’t show him respect, but he wasn't in any rush for life after him." "Brady seemed to be ready for it. He said to people close to him that he didn't want to play anymore for Bill.
According to the book Kraft, Brady, and others had discussed various scenarios regarding who would succeed Belichick. New England could hire O’Brien if Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator, leaves after the season to become a head coach somewhere else. O'Brien could possibly succeed Belichick one day.
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Wickersham wrote that the plan was "fanciful", but O'Brien had heard of it. According to the Houston Chronicle, he was involved in a power struggle in Houston with Rick Smith, his general manager. This is a 'toxic' and 'dysfunctional situation. O'Brien's camp leaked that he wanted to leave, and they were so aggressive it was suspicious. It was as if O'Brien knew he had a golden parachut. The [Texans] elected O'Brien to Smith, giving him more control over football operations. O'Brien later admitted to a confidant that it was an empty victory. "I was trying get fired," he stated.
Wickersham declined to interview Kraft, Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots for this book. However, they are quoted from interviews conducted with Wickersham over the past 20 years. The Patriots didn't respond to inquiries for comment.
Other findings from "It's better to be afraid" include:
