Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft expressed their utmost respect for one another on Thursday as the New England Patriots hosted a press conference to confirm their mutual split.
Belichick praised Kraft, his coaching staff, past and present Patriots players, New England fans and even the media during his five-minute address.
However, Belichick’s feelings on the Patriots — it felt like Belichick’s human side was on display for all those to see — can be best summed up in five words: “I’ll always be a Patriot.”
Belichick dropped that line while nearing the conclusion of his remarks.