The New England Patriots achieved two decades of unprecedented greatness under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, due in large part to the duo instilling the “Patriot Way”. While many ex-Patriots praised the strict culture that grew up in New England, not all players wanted to bow to the class.
on me The last episode of the podcast “I’m an Athlete”Asante Samuel provided an inside look at the Patriots franchise at the height of their success. During his tenure with New England from 2003 to 2007, the star corner player argues that many of his teammates have invested too much in Belichick’s philosophy and logo.
“Some of them are being brainwashed this way by Patriots. I’m not going for any of that,” Samuel said via Live Mass. “They’re all Companion men, talking about the Patriot Way.”
Samuel played through his rookie contract for four years before being awarded the franchise in his final year with New England. The Eagles swooped in and signed a closing corner in 2008 to the tune of six years and about $57 million, a contract Samuel argues he wouldn’t have gotten from Belichick and the Patriots.
“I’m here to get the money, to take care of my family, the same way Belichick is to take care of his family, to get his money,” Samuel said. “So when you try to get my money back and you want all your money, I never respect you.”
Samuel’s respect goes to Brady, who said he was the real reason behind New England’s decade of domination. With one of the best signal callers in the league, the Patriots were free to make personal decisions that others couldn’t.
“We can make these decisions because we have Tom,” Samuel said. “It doesn’t matter what decisions you can make. Who’s coming next from the free agency? Can they pass the test? Bring them in and make sure they can make it to the fourth quarter. That’s all we need is someone, because we got Tom, everything will work.” “.
Although Belichick’s tactics and coaching methods weren’t right for Samuel, the 41-year-old paid tribute to his former coach. That is, if he passed another test.
“I still admit him, he could still be the greatest coach of all time,” Samuel said. “He just got the win again in the Super Bowl.”
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