Did Tom Brady just reveal that he misses the Patriots?

Although much of the discussion surrounding Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s relationship since the quarterback left New England has been hostile, the pair have continued to discredit those reports since their breakup. Because both have accomplished remarkable milestones over the past three weeks, they have inevitably been asked to comment on the other’s career overall.

Despite the narrative that Brady and his former coach had a tumultuous relationship and have harbored unfavorable feelings, the quarterback’s most recent statements make it clear he maintains the highest respect for Belichick and looks back on their time together fondly.

While discussing his latest record of completing passes for over 100,000 yards throughout his career, Brady’s Let’s Go podcast co-host Jim Gray played a clip of Belichick reacting to the news during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show on Monday.

Gray followed up by asking if he could still hear his former coach’s voice in his head, even now as they’re nearing three years apart.

"“Yeah, we had 20 years together of elite football experience that I wouldn’t have traded for anything in the world. I know he’s a great competitor. What an amazing coach he is, and how he prepares the team to win, and he’s just done it year-in and year-out. The fact that he’s 22 wins away from [passing Don Shula for first in all-time NFL head coaching wins], I have no doubt he’s gonna get it.”"

Brady then mentioned that he actively watches Patriots games every week and, despite the troubles the team has faced, complimented his former team on how they conduct themselves from top to bottom.

"“I just watch that team every week, and I’m impressed with how they prepare and the accountability that that organization has had. It always starts at the top.”"

On the surface, these comments don’t come with much surprise. Brady has consistently praised his former coach and all they accomplished together since he joined the Bucs. However, there’s a lot of speculation regarding the timing of his remarks.

Could it be because the Bucs have struggled this season, and this is Brady’s passive way of letting his feelings known? Has he realized the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, revealing he may miss what he had with the Patriots? Or are his complimentary words about Belichick just that and purely genuine? That’s a debate that will surely take place a lot throughout the week.