Brady addresses offseason, relationship with Belichick

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — It was the moment everyone had been waiting for. Tom Brady finally addressed the media Thursday afternoon after the final workout of Patriots minicamp.

The 40-year-old quarterback, who had been absent from all the voluntary workouts this offseason, said it was "personal reasons" that kept him from participating. 

Despite missing OTAs, Brady said he thinks he's been just as productive.

"I always try to think of different things I need to do in the offseason to prepare myself and be the best I can be," Brady said. "I obviously evaluate last season and the things I can do better. I don't think this offseason was any different for me."

There is no arguing that Brady has a presence on the field, so the question is whether his teammates, including many first-year Patriots, suffered from Brady missing practices. 

"I hope not," Brady said. "Every year has different challenges. Obviously this team has high expectations; we're trying to win every game. Those things, we have a lot of time to work on. Literally, figuratively there's a long way to go."

Brady's relationship with Bill Belichick has been in question for some time now, especially after an ESPN article was published detailing an alleged power struggle between Brady, Belichick and owner Robert Kraft.

On Thursday afternoon the quarterback had only positive things to say about his connection with the head coach and the New England Patriots.

"It's great," Brady said. "We've always had a great relationship. I've been here a long time and I love this team, I love this organization and I love playing quarterback for them

"I loved it last year and I'm having a lot of fun now, so that's obviously what's most important to me."

With minicamp over, the next scheduled workouts for the Patriots are another round of voluntary OTAs starting June 12. Brady wasn't very straightforward on whether he'd be attending.

"We're not even through today yet," he said. "We've had a good three days and have been working on the things we need to work on, so that's what I always focus on."

Sierra Goodwill is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports Department. Follow Sierra on Twitter

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