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Former Patriots players react to Bill Belichick leaving New England

By Sara Marshall

Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons / Ronald Martinez/GettyImages
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With the news of Bill Belichick leaving the Patriots on Thursday morning, the tributes from former players and staffers have started to roll in.

Some shared their disbelief of this day finally coming; others shared their appreciation for being given a chance to play for the Patriots and all they learned from being coached by Belichick. It has been really cool to see all the ways in which he touched player's lives, personally and professionally, and dispels the myth that he is not a well-liked coach in the National Football League.

Here are the latest tributes posted.

Former Patriots players and staffers share their tributes to Bill Belichick

Rob Gronkowski took to Twitter/X to thank Belichick for drafting him, even after a hungover pre-draft meeting, and said he was honored to have played for him during his prestigious NFL career.

Ross Douglas served various roles with the Patriots in his three seasons there, starting as the defensive quality control coach to becoming the wide receivers coach last year. He was a highly touted talent on the rise and recently took a job with Syracuse to continue his career in football.

Patrick Chung gave some love to his former coach as well, crediting him for shaping him into the person he is today and thanking him for everything he did for him on and off the field.

Julian Edelman shared a video in honor of Belichick, highlighting some of their most memorable moments together throughout the wide receiver's 12-year career in New England.

Matt Cassel took to Twitter/X to post a video tribute to the coach that helped him go on an incredible run with the Patriots in 2008, ultimately leading to him becoming the Chiefs starting quarterback in 2009.

Jonas Gray thanked Belichick for taking a chance on him in 2014 and shared his appreciation for teaching him how to having a winning mindset in football and in life.

Rob Ninkovich appeared on the Pat McAfee show and admittedly got emotional once the realization of Belichick leaving hit. He spoke highly of his former coach and all that they accomplished before he retired in 2016.

Randy Moss made sure to send a tribute to Belichick even during a fishing trip. He wished him the best and invited him to come out bass fishing with him.

Charlie Weis served as the Patriots offensive coordinator from 2000-2004, after a brief dip in his time with the franchise. Belichick re-hired him upon becoming the head coach and general manager, so Weis made sure to thank him for doing just that.

Kendrick Bourne took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the news and suggested following Belichick wherever he ends up coaching next.

Jamie Collins

Aaron Dobson

Rex Burkhead

Tim Tebow

Brandon Spikes

Matt Light

Damien Woody

Rich Ohrnberger

Malcolm Butler

As more tributes come out from former players, this page will be updated with them.

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