Bill Belichick did not attend the New England Patriots' 25th-anniversary celebration of their 2001 Super Bowl team this past weekend, despite the franchise honoring the group that launched the dynasty at halftime of New England's win over Oakland.
Belichick, now head coach of the University of North Carolina, was notably absent alongside former quarterback Tom Brady, who was working an assignment in Seattle. The source notes that Belichick had made time the previous week to attend the New York Giants' 40th-anniversary dinner for their 1986 Super Bowl team, raising questions about his priorities.
The absence appears tied to tension between Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Kraft called their 2023 split a "mutual parting," but reporting indicates Belichick was forced out after that season. The source reports that Belichick did not appreciate how his exit was handled and that tensions have persisted since.
Last year, Belichick stated that Patriots scouts were barred from North Carolina's facilities. "It's clear I'm not welcome there at their facility. So they're not welcome at ours," he said at the time.
The two have exchanged public statements since the split. Kraft said he made a "big risk" trading for Belichick from the Jets to become New England's coach before the 2000 season. Belichick responded by countering that he took the risk by joining New England rather than staying with the Jets, citing instability in that organization's ownership.
Despite current friction, Belichick and Kraft built one of the most sustained dynasties in NFL history. Over 23 seasons together, the Patriots won six Super Bowls, nine AFC titles and 17 division titles.
The 2001 Patriots overcame an 0-2 start to finish 11-5 in the regular season. After Tom Brady replaced injured Drew Bledsoe midseason, the team went 11-3 and allowed 17 points per game on average. New England defeated the Raiders, Steelers and Rams in the playoffs before beating the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in the Super Bowl, one of the biggest upsets in championship history.
The source notes that Kraft has alluded to building a statue for Belichick, which might prompt him to return to Foxborough in the future.