Bill Belichick Disputes Robert Kraft’s ‘Big Risk’ Narrative

Owner Robert Kraft said on the “Dudes on Dudes” podcast that trading a first-round pick to hire Belichick in 1999 was a “big risk.” Belichick told ESPN he faced warnings about internal obstacles and inherited a team $10 million over the salary cap when he took the Patriots job. The coach noted he could have stayed with the Jets but chose New England despite doubts over the franchise’s ownership stability. He highlighted that his 24-year tenure produced a 266-121 record, 17 division titles, 13 conference championship berths and six Super Bowl victories. The exchange underscores lingering tension between the two men despite the dynasty they built together.