During a live roast of Tom Brady, former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft were seen in what appeared to be a happy reunion. However, according to former players Julian Edelman and Drew Bledsoe, who attended the roast, there were some awkward moments offstage. Edelman and Bledsoe described the scene in the green room before the event, where they witnessed Belichick opening up, sharing war stories, rookie skits, and engaging in fun conversations. The atmosphere was described as amplified because Belichick seemed excited to see his former players since he no longer had a coaching job.
Edelman recalled the moment when Kraft walked into the green room while Belichick was in the middle of a story, holding court. Both Edelman and Bledsoe noted the tension in the room, with Edelman even trying to give Belichick a “head’s up” when he saw Kraft enter. Despite the attempt, Edelman felt the tension was palpable and decided to step back from the situation, anticipating potential fireworks.
The Awkward Encounter Between Belichick and Kraft
Despite the initial tension, Belichick and Kraft did eventually come together for about 10 minutes, as mentioned by Bledsoe. The awkwardness of the situation was acknowledged by both former players, with Edelman describing it as “very real.” The tension seemed to have eased slightly when Belichick and Kraft shared a shot together on stage, prompted by comedian Kevin Hart during the live comedy show titled “The Greatest Roast of All Time.”
The reported friction between Belichick and Kraft has been an ongoing topic, with Belichick leaving the Patriots after 24 seasons with the team. Reports of disagreements and tensions between the legendary coach and the team owner have surfaced over the past couple of years. Kraft reportedly even warned the Atlanta Falcons’ owner, Arthur Blank, not to trust Belichick, as detailed in an ESPN report.
Despite the underlying tension, Kraft jokingly referred to the event as a reunion and expressed his admiration for Belichick, calling him “the greatest coach in the history of the game.” Kraft credited Belichick for achieving what no one else has done and acknowledged that having both Brady and Belichick was a great honor for him. The awkwardness and tension may have been present, but Kraft’s words of praise highlighted the respect and admiration he holds for Belichick and their shared accomplishments.
The encounter between Belichick and Kraft at the roast of Tom Brady showcased a mix of emotions, from happiness and admiration to tension and awkwardness. While the reported friction between the two has been a topic of discussion, the acknowledgment of their shared success and accomplishments shed light on the complex relationship between the former coach and team owner. Despite the uncomfortable moments, the reunion served as a reminder of the impact Belichick and Kraft have had on the Patriots and the NFL as a whole.
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