It turns out Bill Belichick may be a Donald Trump supporter after all.
On Monday, Trump, the Republican nominee for president, read a letter at a campaign rally in New Hampshire he said was written by the New England Patriots’ head coach.
In the letter, Belichick called Trump “the ultimate competitor” and said he had “tremendous respect” for the candidate. The authenticity of the letter drew scrutiny from many in the public eye.
However, Comcast SportsNet New England confirmed on Tuesday that the letter was indeed written by Belichick.
“Congratulations on a tremendous campaign. You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media, and have come out beautifully — beautifully,” the letter purportedly read.
Belichick certainly has endured his own run-ins with the media, which the coach never has bent over backwards to appease. His answers at press conferences are often short and sometimes surly.
“You’ve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter,” the letter continued. “Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow’s election results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results tomorrow.”
Trump also said at the rally that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had personally called him to pledge his support.
“He called today and he said, ‘Donald, I support you, you’re my friend, and I voted for you,’” Trump said.
Brady said earlier Monday in his weekly radio segment on WEEI that he had not voted yet, and his wife Gisele Bundchen denied that the couple is supporting Trump on her Instagram account.
Brady is a longtime friend of Trump’s and previously said it would be “great” if Trump were elected president. One of the candidate’s “Make America Great Again” hats was even spotted in his locker.
Brady later clarified his comment, saying, “Whatever I vote is going to be my own personal choice based on how I feel. … It’s way off my radar.”