In his book “The Dynasty,” Jeff Benedict refers to Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady as the nucleus of the greatest sports dynasty of the modern era.
During the latest “Eye on Foxborough” podcast, Benedict, whose book is the basis for the highly-anticipated 10-part documentary series that kicks off Friday on Apple TV+, said that after spending three years with the Patriots legendary trio, and observing them with unprecedented inside access, he was struck by several things.
“They’re three really complex men and they’re really different people,” Benedict said.
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However, the best-selling author says the trio, while different, were very alike in one way and that served to unite them.
“It’s so unlikely that we’ll ever witness the kind of dynastic run we saw in New England,” said Benedict, “partly because this magical combination of three guys were vastly underestimated at so many different points of their life. They were underestimated.”
All three had chips on their shoulders for different reasons. That was a common bond, a common thread between them in Benedict’s view.
“Robert, as a student, Robert as a business college student, Robert as a young businessman, Robert as a new owner in the NFL, and each step of the way, vastly underestimated, which, was so much to his advantage,” said Benedict. “But it also drove him.”
“Bill was underestimated constantly,” said Benedict. “When he came to New England, nobody thought he was suitable head coach material. There were only two people who thought he was. Two! Robert Kraft and Bill Parcells. No one else believed in him as a head coach.”
At the time Belichick arrived, not many thought Kraft had made the wisest move, sending a first-round pick to the New York Jets for Belichick. Over time, it’s proven to be arguably the greatest trade in NFL history.
Then there was Brady, who wasn’t drafted until the sixth round, and carried that slight with him.
“We all know his underestimation story. And Tom loves that,” said Benedict. “He’s kept that mounted chip on his shoulder his entire career. And I think they worked together so well because of that common bond they had together, that they were underestimated all the time. And then the unique drive they have.”
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