In a significant gesture of recognition, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has announced his intention to commission a statue of former head coach Bill Belichick, to be placed alongside the recently unveiled statue of Tom Brady outside Gillette Stadium. This decision underscores the enduring legacy of the duo who led the Patriots to unprecedented success over a 20-year span.
During an exclusive interview with WBZ-TV’s Dan Roche on Wednesday, Kraft revealed his plans, stating, “When that great 20-year era ended, it was always my intention to commission a statue for both Tommy and Bill when their respective careers were over, playing and coaching.” Kraft emphasized that once Belichick’s coaching career concludes, he looks forward to discussing the details of the statue, which he envisions will stand right next to Brady’s.
The announcement comes on the heels of the August 2025 unveiling of a 12-foot-tall bronze statue honoring Tom Brady, a ceremony that marked a poignant moment in Patriots history. Kraft had promised during Brady’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame that a statue would be erected, a commitment now extended to Belichick as well. This move is particularly notable given the strained relationship between Kraft and Belichick since Belichick’s departure from the team in January 2024, a parting described as “mutual” but marked by underlying tensions.
Belichick, now 73, is currently coaching the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, a role he assumed after a storied tenure with the Patriots that included six Super Bowl victories. Despite recent coaching challenges, including a 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023—his worst defeat as a head coach—Kraft’s gesture reflects a desire to honor Belichick’s contributions to the franchise.
The historical context of Belichick’s career adds depth to Kraft’s decision. Belichick’s coaching lineage traces back to Bill Parcells, under whom he served as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls before taking the helm at the Cleveland Browns in 1991. His partnership with Brady, beginning in 2000, transformed the Patriots into a dynasty, a period Kraft now seeks to immortalize.
This announcement not only serves as a testament to Belichick’s impact on the Patriots but also highlights Kraft’s commitment to preserving the team’s legacy, despite personal and professional frictions. As Belichick’s coaching career at UNC unfolds, the prospect of a statue at Gillette Stadium looms as a future honor, awaiting the end of his current chapter in football.