‘Patriots Nation knows no borders’: Bill Belichick pens letter to fans in full-page ad in The Boston Globe
"I loved coaching here and, together, we experienced some amazing moments."
Bill Belichick is stating his gratitude for Patriots fans a few weeks after his tenure in New England came to an end.
The former Patriots head coach penned a thank you letter to the fanbase in Sunday’s Boston Globe. In the letter, Belichick credited Patriots fans for their ability to travel and show up to games with less-than-ideal weather conditions. He also reminisced over the six Super Bowl parades and even poked fun at his wardrobe and press conferences.
Here’s the full letter:
To Patriots fans everywhere –
Nowhere in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power. The Patriots are the only team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation knows no borders.
You were undaunted by weather, attended scorching hot training camp practices and braved Foxborough’s coldest, wettest, snowiest, and windiest days.
Your thoughtful letters offered support, critique and creative play suggestions. You watched on TV, the internet and from your stadium seats.
You traveled from coast to coast and internationally. Numerous times, you overtook opposing stadiums and were the last fans standing. We loved it! You gave your precious time, resources and energy to our team. We appreciated it!
Six times, you packed Boston by the millions for parades that were truly a two-way expression of gratitude and love. The images from those days are burned in my memory.
You may even have enjoyed my fashion sense and press conferences, or maybe you just tolerated them.
I loved coaching here and, together, we experienced some amazing moments.
Thank you all.
With respect and admiration,
Bill Belichick
Belichick’s time in New England came to an end after 24 seasons on Jan. 11, when the Patriots decided to part ways with their longtime head coach. The decision came four days after the worst season in Belichick’s tenure concluded as the Patriots went 4-13 in 2023.
Still, Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots was largely filled with unprecedented success. In addition to the six Super Bowl titles, the Patriots played in nine Super Bowls and 13 AFC Championship Games. They also won the AFC East 17 times and made the postseason 18 times over Belichick’s two dozen years as head coach of the Patriots.
Belichick won a total of 296 games (regular season and postseason combined) during his time in New England, giving him 333 career wins as a head coach. He trails Don Shula by just 14 wins for a head coach in NFL history (regular season and postseason combined).
Barring anything unforeseen, Belichick won’t be on the sideline in the 2024 NFL season. The seven other teams who had coaching vacancies this offseason have found their next head coach, leaving the 71-year-old unemployed. Belichick interviewed with the Falcons twice and reportedly spoke with the Commanders prior to both teams hiring their new coaches.
It’s unknown what Belichick will do next, but he reportedly still wants to coach.
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