Bill Belichick Pens Open Letter In Boston Globe Thanking Patriots Fans

Bill Belichick spent 24 years as head coach of the New England Patriots. Along with Tom Brady, the team won six Super Bowls in those nearly two-and-a-half decades. But, all good things must end. 

After missing the playoffs for the third time in four years since Brady left, the team decided to move on without Belichick. In seven months, the New England Patriots will take the field without Tom Brady or Bill Belichick for the first time since January 2, 2000. 

(Getty Images)

In fact, barring some last-minute change, Belichick won't be part of an NFL franchise at the start of the season for the first time since 1974. He began his career as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts in 1975. 

On Sunday, the Boston Globe published a "Thank You" letter from Belichick to New England Patriots fans. 

"Nowhere in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England, and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power. The Patriots are the only NFL team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation knows no borders," he wrote, in part. 

It's nice to see Belichick acknowledge the Patriots fans on his way out of New England. 

Even though many of those fans turned on him at the end and wanted him out. 

That's the nature of the beast, though. Belichick and Brady set such a high standard in New England that fans couldn't tolerate a few lean seasons. 

It's funny because they quickly forgot that the team won 0 championships prior to Belichick's arrival. That was despite having both Bill Parcells and Pete Carroll as head coach in the seven seasons prior to Belichick. 

Still, Belichick appreciates the fans and shows some emotion on his way out. 

Classy move from arguably the greatest coach in NFL history.