Bill Belichick praised Tom Brady after he announced his retirement from the NFL.

“I am privileged to have drafted and coached Tom Brady,” he wrote.

He called him “the ultimate competitor and winner.”

He said that Tom became “the best player in NFL history.”

“Tom consistently performed at the highest level against competition,” he went on.

Belichick added that “his pursuit of excellence was inspirational.”

“Tom was professional on and off the field,” Belichick continued.

He said that Tom carried himself “with class, integrity and kindness.”

He thanked Tom for his “positive impact” on the Patriots for 20 years.