Bill Belichick, widely regarded as the greatest coach in NFL history, shared his thoughts on the greatest players at their respective positions during an interview with Mike Tannenbaum of The 33rd Team.
Belichick, who has won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots since 2000, has had the opportunity to work with numerous talented players throughout his coaching career. In his view, three players stand out as the best in their positions.
First and foremost, Belichick named quarterback Tom Brady as the greatest offensive player of all time. He and Brady formed the most successful partnership in NFL history.
Brady, considered by most as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has accumulated a plethora of records and accolades throughout his illustrious career.. And there’s no denying Belichick played a significant role in his early development.
On the defensive side of the ball, Belichick bestowed the title of the greatest defensive player in football upon legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
During Belichick’s tenure as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Taylor played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them win two Super Bowls in the 1986 and 1990 seasons.
Taylor’s revolutionary impact and dominance on the field have solidified his reputation as the greatest defensive player of all-time.
Lastly, Belichick turned his attention to special teams and named Matthew Slater as the greatest special teams player in NFL history.
Slater, who has spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, has primarily focused on special teams duties. Despite being relatively unsung compared to offensive and defensive players, Slater’s contributions to the Patriots’ success have not gone unnoticed by Belichick.
With a record-setting ten special teams Pro Bowl selections and three Super Bowl rings to his name, Slater has established himself as an invaluable component of the Patriots’ special teams unit.
As Slater enters his 16th season in the NFL in 2023, the question of his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame arises. Needless to say, Belichick is a staunch supporter and advocate.
“As a core special-teams player, Slater really has been the best of all time,” Belichick said. “I hope he gets recognized for that.”
“I feel like I’ve coached the best offensive player, the best player in football in Tom (Brady). The best defensive player in football in L.T. (Lawrence Taylor), and the best special-teams player in football in Matt Slater,” he told Tannenbaum.
“If you’re a coach and you coach Taylor, Brady and Slater, that’s three pretty good players.”