Bill Belichick statue at Gillette? Here's what more than 1,000 readers said.

"Last month, the New England Patriots unveiled a 12-foot statue of Tom Brady outside Gillette Stadium, honoring one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and the golden boy of New England's two-decade dynasty. But Brady might not be standing alone for long. In a recent interview with WBZ's Dan Roche, Patriots owner Robert Kraft hinted that a statue of Bill Belichick could soon join Brady's at the stadium, but only after the legendary coach officially ends his career."

"Out of 1,075 total responses to our poll, readers were nearly split. Just under half (46%) of readers said "yes" to the idea of a Belichick statue, while 52% disagreed. Many readers rallied behind the idea, citing Belichick's pivotal role in the Patriots' six Super Bowl victories. "The Pats' successes were not just due to Tom, Belichick had a lot to do with it too!" reader Charles L. from Newburyport said. Others echoed this sentiment, underscoring the legendary coach's place in NFL history. "He deserves it. I know things were a little rough at the end of his tenure, but he is still the greatest coach of all time," Jeff P. from Cheshire, Connecticut added. Eddie G. from Somerville summed it up by calling the Brady-Belichick partnership the greatest coach/quarterback combo in history: "They built the dynasty together.""

"However, not everyone was on board with the idea. Many readers pointed to Belichick's complicated relationship with fans, especially in the years following Brady's departure, as a reason for not honoring him with a statue. "Not a likable guy. He doesn't like the franchise. And it's looking more and more like he was vastly overrated,""

Owner Robert Kraft suggested a Bill Belichick statue could join Tom Brady's at Gillette Stadium once Belichick officially ends his career. A poll of 1,075 respondents was nearly split, with 46% supporting a statue and 52% opposing it. Supporters credited Belichick with playing a pivotal role in the Patriots' six Super Bowl victories and building the dynasty with Brady. Detractors pointed to a complicated relationship with fans after Brady's departure, describing Belichick as unlikable and, to some, overrated. The debate reflects differing views on how to honor contributions amid recent conflicts and declining fan sentiment.

Read at Boston.com