Bill Belichick pays tribute to Patriots team’s ‘magical ride’ in 2014

Bill Belichick has gotten the hang of posting on Instagram, posting a tribute to the 2014 Patriots team ahead of New England’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

“Congratulations to all the players, coaches and support staff of our incredible 2014 team,” the message read. “You did everything at a championship level — little things on a daily basis that no one but us saw, and big things, epic things, under pressure to show the world. The playoffs were unforgettable — back-to-back 14-point losses to the Ravens — a total Colts domination — and a heartbreaking win in Arizona against the reigning Super Bowl champions. I am forever grateful for this incredible team effort and to all the Patriots fans who supported us with such enthusiasm. We’ve all been on a magical ride together.”

That season, of course, ended with the Patriots defeating the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX after Malcolm Butler intercepted then-quarterback Russell Wilson on the goal line. Butler rang the bell atop Gillette Stadium’s lighthouse before kickoff.

Belichick’s references to the AFC Championship Game also sparked Deflategate, when the Colts complained that the balls used in the AFCCG were underinflated. This led to an investigation that lasted more than a year, and then-quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for four games for his role in the scandal. It was a long, drawn-out process that even reached the American justice system.

Though he won’t participate in the 2024 coaching cycle after Belichick and the Patriots parted ways earlier this year, the 72-year-old has been busy with a variety of media appearances.