Tom Brady Takes Subtle Shot at Bill Belichick During Broadcast Debut

During his broadcast debut on Sunday, Tom Brady made an intriguing reference to his former head coach, Bill Belichick.

Belichick and Brady formed one of the most successful partnerships in NFL history, spanning two decades with the New England Patriots. Together, they won six Super Bowl titles, 17 AFC East division championships, and appeared in nine Super Bowls.

Brady is serving as Fox Sports' lead color commentator and was in the booth as the Dallas Cowboys took on the Cleveland Browns. The game was mostly a dud, with the Cowboys controlling the game nearly from start to finish. But Brady dropped an interesting take, referencing Belichick, despite not mentioning him by name.

Kevin Burkhardt, Brady's play-by-play partner, was talking about Cowboys coaches Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer, mentioning how they're not afraid to call out players when they fall short. Brady chimed in with a grin, saying he's had his fair share of experience with that.

"I played with a coach who wasn’t afraid to cuss out his players either," Brady said with a laugh.

It’s not hard to figure out who Brady is referring to. While he’s also played under Todd Bowles (for one season) and Bruce Arians (for two), it seems clear that Bill Belichick is the primary subject of his comments.

There's been some reported tension between Brady and Belichick over the years, with many speculating it led to their breakup in 2020. Brady bolted for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning the Super Bowl LV.

However, Brady said he enjoyed having a coach who would lean into him occasionally.

"It’s nice to have that accountability from a coach too. If you want to be a great player, you want to be pushed, you want to be challenged," Brady said. "I was the beneficiary of a lot of that hard coaching. Discipline and accountability are mainstays in any successful organization."

Brady and Belichick seemed to have mended their relationship. The duo even shouted out each other on Instagram on Sunday, with Belichick wishing Brady well on his new venture.

"Wanted to wish you well today in your opening game in Cleveland," Belichick said in an Instagram video. "I’m sure you’re going to do great, can’t wait to watch you today."

Brady will be in Dallas next week to call the Cowboys' home opener against the New Orleans Saints.

Related: Deshaun Watson Dissed by Browns Teammate in Viral Video After Week 1 Loss