When Tom Brady’s highly anticipated Netflix roast brought together the iconic figures from the legendary QB’s Patriots dynasty, you just knew there would be fireworks. But the most explosive confrontation happened before the comedic burns even began – a tense, awkward standoff backstage between Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft that could have “cut f**king glass.”
Those present claim the room was jovial at first, with the normally taciturn Belichick uncharacteristically loose and lively as he caught up with former players and staff. Julian Edelman colorfully set the scene on his podcast of the coach “opening up,” swapping “war stories” and talking “fun shit” in an “amplified” mood since he was now free from his duties.
That festive vibe was suddenly shattered, however, when Kraft entered the space.
“The tension in that room, though, could cut glass,” Edelman bluntly stated, calling the ensuing atmosphere “so awkward” between the owner and his former coach of 24 seasons.
Edelman said he tried signaling to alert the hyper-aware Belichick about Kraft’s arrival, but the 70-year-old either missed the heads up or ignored it. The wise wide receiver opted to quickly remove himself, admitting “I didn’t want to get in there” with the two titans whose bitter breakup had long been rumored.
While a heated exchange seemed inevitable, Drew Bledsoe provided some insight that the reunion managed to remain civil, if not cordial. Appearing on The Dan LeBatard Show, the former Patriots QB revealed Belichick and Kraft “had a good long conversation” for around 15 minutes before the roast kicked off.
“Don’t know what was said, but it was a pretty sincere [interaction],” Bledsoe stated. “There’s great mutual respect there, obviously. Most successful owner and head coach combo of all time.”
The tension likely stemmed from reports that Kraft had privately warned other NFL owners to “not trust” Belichick after their split, damaging the legacy of the coach who brought New England six Super Bowl titles. It was a bitter end to one of the most prolific partnerships in sports history.
Yet when the two shared the stage to roast Brady, Kraft paid his former coach the ultimate compliment of respect.
“I want to say this is the greatest coach in the history of the game that did what no one else has done,” Kraft proclaimed with Belichick at his side. “And having Tom Brady and him was the greatest honor the good Lord gave me.”
While they may never be simpering friends again after their ugly divorce, the Kraft and Belichick reunion showed there is still a begrudging reverence between the two titans who redefined greatness in the NFL. Their legacies are permanently fused, no matter how white-hot the flames of resentment between them may still burn.
So as the comedic jabs were unleashed on Brady that night, the most gripping drama was the intense, unresolved feud still simmering just off-stage between his former coach and owner. Even in a room full of laughs, the Belichick/Kraft encounter could have curdled milk from halfway across the venue.