Overview

• 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.