Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, has expressed his desire to commission a statue of former head coach Bill Belichick, despite their contentious exit from the franchise. The statue will be placed alongside Tom Brady’s existing statue at the Patriots’ headquarters, recognizing Belichick’s 24-year tenure and six Super Bowl victories. While Brady and Kraft have maintained a positive relationship post-retirement, Belichick and Kraft’s dynamic has been more strained, particularly due to Belichick’s departure after the 2023 season.
Kraft emphasized his intention to honor both Brady and Belichick with statues, stating that their respective careers and legacies are significant to the franchise’s history. The decision reflects Kraft’s acknowledgment of Belichick’s impact on the organization, even amidst their rocky relationship. Although the two parted ways after the 2023 season, which marked the third consecutive year New England missed the playoffs, Kraft remains committed to recognizing Belichick’s contributions to the team’s success.
The 73-year-old Belichick has since joined the University of North Carolina, but his Tar Heels’ debut was one to forget. TCU defeated UNC, 48-14, marking the most points ever given up by a Belichick-coached team. Despite this setback, Belichick remains at the University of North Carolina for five years. The decision to commission the statue highlights the legacy of his coaching career with the Patriots and underscores the enduring significance of his tenure with the franchise.
While the focus is on honoring Belichick’s contributions, the presence of Brady’s statue serves as a testament to the Patriots’ success during their 20-year era. The statues together represent the dual pillars of the franchise’s achievements, even as their relationship with Kraft has taken different paths post-retirement. This gesture by Kraft is a recognition of Belichick’s role in shaping the Patriots’ history, despite the challenges and controversies that have marked their relationship.