ESPN drops bombshell report on what many in the league have been hearing about Bill Belichick, T ·

04 Jan 2025, 00:00

UPDATE: Russini has cleared up her tweet:

I did not word this carefully enough, ESPN is not reporting or even suggesting this is going to happen. I was watching the show and our insiders respond to the unsubstantiated chatter

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 4, 2018

Just hours before Tom Brady and Bill Belichick lead the New England Patriots into Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen dropped a bombshell on the quarterback/head coach combo's status in the league.

Right now on @espn NFL Countdown it’s brought to light about what many in the league have been hearing which this game could possibly be both Bill Belichick and Tom Brady’s final games. Both could be hanging it up. Post game could be incredible tonight if this becomes truth.

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 4, 2018

Later in the show, Adam Schefter confirmed it's not a sure thing Brady returns next season, but "most people" believe it will happen.

He also later noted Belichick is "expected" to return next season as well.

The reported rift between Brady and Belichick took over NFL headlines in early January, but all seemed to be well in the leadup to their playoff run.

The story went that Brady forced the trade of Jimmy Garoppolo and went above Belichick's head to get it completed. The Patriots, Kraft, Brady and Belichick all released statements in the coming days talking about unity, expected to return the next season and downplaying any issues in the locker room.

This story doesn't seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon.

ESPN drops bombshell report on what many in the league have been hearing about Bill Belichick, T

UPDATE: Russini has cleared up her tweet: I did not word this carefully enough, ESPN is not reporting or even suggesting this is going to happen. I was watching the show and our insiders respond to the unsubstantiated chatter

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