Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft shared a tense moment during Tom Brady’s roast, a surprising sight given their storied partnership with the New England Patriots.
Despite having been one of the NFL’s most successful pairings, the relationship between the former Patriots head coach and owner was strained after Belichick was let go following a disappointing season. Kraft then reportedly ensured the Atlanta Falcons wouldn’t hire Belichick as their next head coach, adding fuel to the fire.
Players Reflect on the Tension Between Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft
During the roast, the tension between the two was palpable. As Julian Edelman, one of Brady’s favorite targets, recounted:
“Pre-show, we’re in the green room. Randy (Moss), Drew (Bledsoe), me, (Rob) Gronk—we were just chilling in there. Bill was opening up, he’s having fun, he’s talking war stories, talking rookies. Doing sh*t we know what Bill’s about, but it was amplified. He’s excited to see guys because he doesn’t have a job anymore.”
Drew Bledsoe is fucking smashing this Roast of Tom Brady.
"Two things I've experienced that you never will, Tom. Being drafted as 1st pick in the Draft and celebrating a 28th wedding anniversary. That was yesterday, Happy anniversary, babe." pic.twitter.com/3kXOmED9ma
— Sassington, M.C. (@MissSassbox) May 6, 2024
Yet the atmosphere quickly changed when Robert Kraft entered the room, as Drew Bledsoe recalled:
“Then Kraft walks in. The tension in that room—could cut f*cking glass,” Edelman said. “That was so awkward. I just walked away. I didn’t want to be in there.”
A Complex History
Belichick and Kraft undeniably formed an iconic duo, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles. However, their professional relationship unraveled in recent years, culminating in an awkward reunion during Brady’s roast. While both were willing to put aside their differences momentarily to honor Brady, it’s evident that their fractured bond hasn’t fully healed.
Will They Reconcile?
The strained relationship between Belichick and Kraft casts a shadow over their legacy, making it unclear whether they’ll ever truly reconcile. Although the roast was a reminder of their shared past and the dynasty they built, any potential truce remains uncertain.
Patriots fans can only hope that both legends can move forward and continue to be celebrated for their contributions to football history. After all, despite their differences, their collaboration shaped the modern NFL.
