This Trait Helped Tom Brady Win Over Bill Belichick As Rookie

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady worked wonders together over 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, bringing six Super Bowl titles to the region.

The team is now trying to find its next coach-quarterback combination as Jerod Mayo weighs who will start between veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye.

Brady did not play as a rookie under Belichick, though the Michigan product found a way to still make his impact and catch the attention of his head coach.

“Tom was one of our hardest workers as a rookie and he didn’t even play,” Belichick shared on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Monday. “We had a lot of rookies on the roster. We didn’t have any salary cap space. The team was filled with rookies. He would take those guys out extra after practice and run through the plays and that kind of thing.”

Once Brady got his opportunity a year later following Drew Bledsoe’s injury, the Patriots quarterback instilled himself in a spot to thoroughly improve as each season went on as New England sparked a dynasty.

“He really improved a lot in 2000 and 2001 when he beat out (Damon) Huard for the backup spot,” Belichick continued. “Then, from 2001 to 2002, even when the team wasn’t as good, I thought Tom took strides as a quarterback in 2003, 2004. He improved every day for 20 years, but I think the biggest improvement came in the first four years. He continued to work.”