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Unlikely retired player voices defense of Patriots’ Bill Belichick

By Sara Marshall

Oct 30, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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As it’s been said time and time again, the Patriots have become the easiest target in NFL media since the start of their dynasty in 2001. Not much has changed in the twenty-plus years since then, as the team continues to receive ruthless criticism and scrutiny more so than most other teams in the league.

Although that’s nothing new, the rise in questioning of Bill Belichick’s legacy and fitness to continue coaching has gotten many people talking; whether it’s to join in the narrative or to put an end to it, the conversation has been taking off since Tom Brady’s departure three years ago.

Not many players, coaches, or media members come to the defense of New England or Belichick, but in recent weeks we’ve seen unlikely names make headlines with their takes on the accomplished head coach.

The latest of people to call out the naysayers is six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.

While discussing Asante Samuel’s most recent attack on Belichick on the I Am Athlete podcast last week, Marshall shared a vigorous defense of the Patriots’ coach and even called out some current players who publicly dismissed his success throughout his career.

"“All these people out here talking about (how) Bill Belichick ain’t him, y’all sick! Y’all sick! My boy, the Shady McCoy’s of the world. The Asante Samuel’s of the world. How dare y’all. How dare y’all say Bill Belichick ain’t that guy.… We keep debating and arguing over Bill Belichick. (Samuel) played with him for four years, so you would think he knows more than I do when it comes to Bill Belichick and the Patriots. But he keeps saying, ‘It’s all Tom (Brady)’ and ending on that. How dare you, Asante Samuel. How dare you, Shady McCoy. How dare you say Bill Belichick ain’t that guy?”"

Considering the long list of rival teams that Marshall played on during his career, hearing his take on what his peers have been saying is even more extraordinary. It’s unlikely his take will change anyone’s mind, but it’s cool to see players who never suited up in New England take a stand for a legendary head coach.

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