Bill Belichick’s 24-year tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots under longtime team owner Robert Kraft created one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Despite their success, it appears there is tension between the two. Belichick’s upcoming book, “The Art of Winning,” scheduled for public release on May 6, offers an in-depth look into his achievements in New England and his overall coaching career.
Boston writer Dan Shaughnessy received an early copy and wrote an article on Friday sharing insights from the book. According to him, Belichick includes a lengthy “acknowledgements” section thanking 363 contributors to his success, but notably omits Kraft’s name entirely. “As an author of many books, I’d estimate this one’s about 80,000 words,” Shaughnessy noted. “Two words not in the book: Robert Kraft.” Shaughnessy remarked on the single mention of Kraft when Belichick referenced how “they” likely profited from the term “The Patriot Way,” with “they” referring to the team owner.
Belichick stated, “Somewhere, someone came up with the phrase, ‘The Patriot Way.’ I think they made some money off it. Good for them. Here’s something you should know: ‘The Patriot Way’ does not exist.” This sentiment reflects an underlying animosity that Belichick seems to have toward Kraft. Although it was reported that they “mutually parted ways” with the Patriots, it was ultimately Kraft’s decision to move on after the 2023-24 NFL season, a decision he had reportedly been considering since Week 10 of that season.
Additionally, the Apple TV+ docuseries “Dynasty” featured former players who disagreed with Belichick’s portrayal. Belichick himself referred to it as a “roast,” and there were rumors that Kraft had some influence over how it was produced, although the director denied this.
Belichick’s choice to exclude Kraft’s name from his book, which chronicles his coaching journey, doesn’t capture the full narrative. Had Kraft not taken a chance on Belichick, whose previous coaching stint in Cleveland failed before his time with the Patriots, both of their paths could have been significantly different.
