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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Ray Ratto

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick adjusts the microphones at his post-game press conference after the Patriots beat the Jets in January of 2024. He looks like he has a tummyache.

Bill Belichick, America’s Sweetheart

Samer Kalaf

Jerod Mayo smiles as the Patriots beat the Bengals in Week 1

The Patriots Spoil The Bengals’ Party

Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots reacts before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefsat Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Why Your Team Sucks

Why Your Team Sucks 2024: New England Patriots

Bill Belichick at a press conference for the Patriots.

Life's Rich Pageant

Each New Detail About How Bill Belichick Met His Girlfriend Is The Opposite Of Romantic

Israel Daramola

Arts And Culture

The Defector Guide To Making A Celebrity Sports Documentary


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Then-New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a press conference after a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

At Some Point, You Either Adjust Or Fade Away

Luis Paez-Pumar

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announces he is leaving the team during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2024.

Bill Belichick Exits As He Entered: As A Bore Who Never Won Without Tom Brady

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a press conference after a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

The Belichick Vigil Starts Now

<div class="author-header-content">
<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="author-header-shares"></div>


Charles P. Pierce

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick chats with QB Bailey Zappe in the first half. The Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-18.

The Patriots Are Reverting To Type

Lauren Theisen

Tommy DeVito stands on the field with his hand over his heart

Tommy DeVito Is A Two-Time Winner

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on in the second half of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan.

Do Not Disrespect The Patriots In Front Of The Man Who No Longer Works For Them

Foxborough, MA - October 8: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field following the game. The Patriots lost to the New Orleans Saints, 34-0. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Jamboroo

Bill Belichick Is Going Out The Way He Came In

Bill Belichick looks frustrated as the Patriots lose.

It’s Time To Entertain The Idea Of Bill Belichick Losing His Job

David Roth

Taylor Swift watching the Kansas City Chiefs game on Monday night in a luxury box with Travis Kelce's mother, Donna.

Podcasts

Pinning Your Ears Back For Taylor Swift, With Giri Nathan And Samer Kalaf

Patrick Redford

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 24: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets pushes Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots during the second half at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

Mac Jones Maybe Hit Sauce Gardner In The Dick, Definitely Cares About Football A Lot

Jason Sanders has his field goal attempt blocked by Brenden Schooler

At Least The Patriots Had A Neat Blocked Field Goal


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) takes an interception to the house during a game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles on September 10, 2023, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Eagles Suffer Unbearable Victory

Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots look on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.

Why Your Team Sucks 2023: New England Patriots

Head coach Bill OBrien of the Houston Texans speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bill O’Brien Is An Instant Upgrade Because He’s Not Matt Patricia Or Joe Judge

Barry Petchesky

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots reacts after losing to the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

The Patriots Lost On The Funniest Play Of The Year

Tom Ley

Matt Patricia Keeps Getting Away With It

Andrew Luck after losing the AFC Divisional Round Game in 2018.

Strange Luck And Extreme Skiing, With Seth Wickersham

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 20: Owner Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Game Of Football’s Dignity Salvaged By Late Punt Return

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)