Tom Brady breaks silence on Bill Belichick's Patriots departure

Tom Brady broke his silence on Bill Belichick’s departure from the New England Patriots on Thursday with an emotional social media post praising him as a leader and "the best coach in the history of the NFL."

The legendary quarterback said he was "grateful" to have played under Belichick for 20 years. The two won six Super Bowl championships together and forever changed the trajectory of the NFL.

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hugs head coach Bill Belichick after winning the AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 21, 2018. (Boston Herald via Getty Images)

"He was a great leader for the organization, and for all of the players who played for him," Brady wrote on Instagram along with a picture of the two smiling together. "We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be hard to replicate. He worked every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport. 

"And, although we were successful, some of the greatest lessons I learned were in the moments where we faced the most challenging adversities. He set the tone for the organization to never falter in the face of adversity, and to do what we could do, and what was in our control, which was to go out and DO OUR JOB.

BILL BELICHICK'S NEXT LANDING SPOT SPECULATED AS PATRIOTS RUN COMES TO AN END

Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts as Tom Brady looks on before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 13, 2018. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

"I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next."

The Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He was thrust into the starting quarterback role during the 2001 season because of Drew Bledsoe’s injury in Week 2. The rest is history.

Tom Brady of the New England Patriots talks with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, left, and head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sept. 9, 2018. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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Brady retired from the NFL last year after three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And by all indications, Belichick will continue coaching somewhere else.