Bill Belichick calls Tom Brady 'the best player in NFL history'

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New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement on Wednesday, a day after future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL.

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, stands with head coach Bill Belichick during an NFL football practice, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, file)

"I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner," Belichick said. "Tom's humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history."

Brady and Belichick won six Super Bowl titles together with the Patriots and were the key reasons why the franchise had a dynasty that lasted nearly two decades. The coach-quarterback duo is arguably the greatest in league history.

ROB GRONKOWSKI THANKS TOM BRADY WITH HEARTFELT MESSAGE

Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick look on during warmups before the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 21, 2018, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.   (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Brady won his seventh Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 NFL season.

Belichick led the Patriots to a 10-7 record with rookie quarterback Mac Jones this season. New England fell to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card game. The legendary coach says that he plans on coaching the Patriots next season as well.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (right) after their win over the St. Louis Rams, Feb. 3, 2002, in Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17 for the NFL championship.  (JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)

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"Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the No. 1 player to stop. His pursuit of excellence was inspirational," Belichick said. "Tom was professional on and off the field, and (he) carried himself with class, integrity, and kindness. I thank Tom for his relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact on me and the New England Patriots for 20 years."