GOAT to GOAT: Belichick hails Tom Brady

Bill Belichick remains a charter member of the Tom Brady admiration society, with the New England Patriots' head coach making it clear in an effusive statement congratulating his longtime quarterback on retirement.

"I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady, the ultimate competitor and winner," Belichick said in a statement.

"Tom's humble beginning in professional football ultimately ended with him becoming the best player in NFL history."

Brady and Belichick teamed up for a QB-coach record nine Super Bowl appearances and six victories, the first of which came after the 2001 season when Brady was thrust into action for an injured Drew Bledsoe.

After 20 seasons with the Patriots and simmering tensions around Brady's use of a private trainer, input over the offensive system and salary, the player exited New England and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2020 campaign.

In his first season with the Bucs, Brady guided his team to yet another Super Bowl victory, his record-setting seventh Lombardi Trophy.

"Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition that always made him the number one player to stop," Belichick said.

"His pursuit of excellence was inspirational. Tom was professional on and off the field, and carried himself with class, integrity and kindness.

"I thank Tom for his relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact on me and the New England Patriots for 20 years."

The Patriots said Belichick was travelling on Tuesday when Brady's nine-part Instagram goodbye was posted without a mention of the Patriots, Belichick or owner Robert Kraft.

Brady since replied to a Patriots' social media post thanking New England, and past teammates from Julian Edelman to Rob