The Patriots Way is Broken

No truth to the rumor Bill Belichick let his dog make the Patriots 2nd round pick.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is not Fake News, your imagination or a glitch in the simulation (most likely). It’s just another Unfathomable Truth of 2020.

The greatest Quarterback in history and the greatest Tight End of his generation choosing to link up on a team with an all-time winning percentage of 38% is stunning and makes no sense on its surface. Why leave New England ~ 6 titles ~ for a franchise better known for going 0-14 than its single Super Bowl victory.

The answer lies in New England. With the genius in a hoodie. Bill Belichick has clearly created a Patriots Culture that has sucked the life out of its players. Belichick would enjoy the benefits of a long-lasting dynasty if he wasn’t so rigid and would just allow his players to enjoy the sport they began playing as a child for fun.

Gronk chose to retire rather than continue playing for the Hoodie. Brady chose to join a team whose defense allowed 28 points per game and an offensive line that allowed 3 sacks per game last year.

Brady and Gronk are ready for “Yo Soy Fiesta” in Tampa Bay

None of this is ideal. Ideal is Belichick, Brady and Gronk co-existing for a lifetime, and continuing to win championships. But Belichick’s “The Patriots Way” is broken. If it was right, it would promote a culture of trust, communication and joy.

Instead, it’s not desired for any player throughout a career. Not even for the Quarterback more responsible for those Super Bowl victories than the Hoodie himself.

Jeremy Garrison is the co-founder of Popline Media and co-hosts Popline’s flagship podcast, The Sports Hangover weekly on iTunes, Apple and Spotify.