“Tom Brady vs Bill Belichick” remains a compelling narrative as both legends adjust to media life after dominating the NFL together for two decades. After 20 years together, six Super Bowl rings, and nine Super Bowl appearances, it was time for the two to part ways and see who could win without the other—much like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in the NBA. The debate still persists over who was more pivotal in their remarkable partnership.
Tom Brady’s Post-Retirement Journey
Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick remains a compelling narrative as both legends adjust to media life after dominating the NFL together for two decades. Following their separation in 2020, Tom Brady set out to prove he could triumph without Belichick by joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—and he did just that.
In his first season with the Bucs, he secured his seventh Super Bowl ring, further cementing his legacy. He played two more seasons with Tampa Bay, enjoying moderately successful campaigns before finally retiring in February 2023 at the age of 45.
Shortly after retiring, Brady quickly inked a massive 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports and purchased a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, pending NFL approval. He took a gap year before commencing his role with Fox in 2024, during which time the NFL worked to iron out the details of his dual roles as a broadcaster and minority team owner.
His transition to broadcasting has been highly anticipated, given his status as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. As the lead color commentator for Fox Sports—which is broadcasting the Super Bowl this year—he brings a wealth of experience to the booth.
However, his unique position limits what he can say during broadcasts due to potential conflicts of interest stemming from his ownership stake. While his performance has received mixed reviews, many believe he’s improving each week—a natural progression for the five-time Super Bowl MVP.
Despite certain restrictions, Brady hasn’t shied away from expressing himself. When Baker Mayfield commented on the atmosphere Brady fostered in Tampa Bay—suggesting it was “high-strung” and that players were “pretty stressed out”—Brady didn’t hold back. He retorted:
“I thought stressful was not having Super Bowl rings. There was a champion’s mindset that I brought to work every day. This wasn’t daycare. If I wanted to have fun, I would’ve gone to Disneyland with my kids.”
Bill Belichick’s Media Endeavors
Meanwhile, Bill Belichick mutually parted ways with the New England Patriots after a storied 24-year tenure. The Mac Jones experiment hadn’t yielded the desired results, and the Patriots opted to chart a new course by drafting Drake Maye as their franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With most available coaching positions involving rebuilds, Belichick found himself without a team when the coaching vacancies were filled. Undeterred, he surprisingly entered the media landscape to stay connected to the game while keeping an eye out for coaching opportunities in 2025. With several Super Bowl-contending teams struggling this year, an “add-the-right-coach-and-win” scenario might just pave his way back to the sidelines.
This season, Belichick has been anything but idle. Shedding his trademark hoodie for more polished attire, he’s appeared on the “ManningCast” during Monday Night Football and made guest appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He’s also a weekly regular on “Inside the NFL” and co-hosts “The Breakdown” with Peyton Manning on ESPN+, where the two Hall of Famers dissect plays and players each week. Coach Bill has kept himself thoroughly engaged, offering fans rare insights into his football intellect.
Tom Brady vs Bill Belichick: A Friendly Rivalry Continues
The Kobe-Shaq-like relationship between Brady and Belichick endures as a friendly rivalry, with Brady holding a slight edge in championships. Much like Shaquille O’Neal when he won a championship in his second year with the Miami Heat, time will tell if Belichick can get back in the game again and acquire his Pau Gasol to surpass Brady.
As both legends navigate their new roles in the media, fans are treated to fresh insights from two of football’s greatest minds. Whether they remain in broadcasting, return to coaching, or expand their roles in team ownership, one thing is certain: the impact of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick on the NFL is far from over.