Belichick and Brady Display Class in Denver Defeat

Say what you will about the controversial couple that head the Evil Empire known as the New England Patriots. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have ruled over the NFL for over a decade, but even they know when they have been bested.

As the clock hit triple zeroes in the AFC Championship Game in Denver, Brady and Belichick made a beeline for two of the Broncos’ most notable offensive players, delivering their well wishes and encouraging them to end the season on a high in Santa Clara.

According to running back CJ Anderson’s Instagram post, Brady told him, “Way to fight and prove everybody wrong. You belong in this league and you’re one hell of a player. I love the way you run. Keep climbing to be great.” It sounds a little verbose to be exactly verbatim, but the message rings very clear.

The undrafted Anderson cited Brady as a huge influence, having been picked late in the draft and climbing the NFL ranks through commitment, determination and a permanent chip on his shoulder. Anderson added that he was proud of the chance to battle Brady every year and that it is now his turn to overcome adversity, as Brady once did.

Coach Belichick, meanwhile, met Peyton Manning at midfield. The pair embraced in a sea of cameras and confetti before the ageing quarterback spoke first. “Listen, this might be my last rodeo. So it sure has been a pleasure,” he said. “You’re a great competitor. Hell of a player. Take it all the way,” Belichick responded.

The truth is, practically every rivalry in professional sports is based much more firmly in mutual respect than mutual hatred. This is especially the case for two quarterbacks and a coach who are undoubtedly among the all-time greats in their respective fields, and who have blessed countless fans with myriad classic battles always waged in the spirit of the game.

It might be the Broncos who are Super Bowl-bound, but Brady, Belichick and the Patriots are the ones bowing out of the playoffs like champions.