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Dynasty. Die Insidergeschichte der New England Patriots: New York Times Bestseller. Mit einem Vorwort von Sebastian Vollmer.
Seit 20 Jahren gehören die New England Patriots zu den erfolgreichsten Teams der American-Football-Liga NFL und zu den wertvollsten Sport-Franchises der Welt. Zehn Mal standen sie im Super Bowl, sechs Mal gewannen sie ihn. Dank Superstars wie Quarterback Tom Brady oder dem Deutschen Sebastian Vollmer sind sie auch hierzulande äußerst populär und eines der Teams, die im Herbst 2023 ein NFL-Spiel in Deutschland austragen werden.
Bestsellerautor Jeff Benedict hat mit über zweihundert Insidern gesprochen, darunter Teammanager, Trainer, Spieler, ihre Frauen, Ärzte und Anwälte. Er führte Interviews mit den Schlüsselfiguren Tom Brady, Erfolgscoach Bill Belichick und Clubbesitzer Robert Kraft. Durch seine gründliche Recherche bietet Benedict eine Fülle neuer und überraschender Einblicke in eine Organisation, die für ihre Geheimhaltung berüchtigt ist. Das Ergebnis ist ein fesselndes und aufschlussreiches Porträt, gespickt mit menschlichen Dramen und Enthüllungen.
Bestsellerautor Jeff Benedict hat mit über zweihundert Insidern gesprochen, darunter Teammanager, Trainer, Spieler, ihre Frauen, Ärzte und Anwälte. Er führte Interviews mit den Schlüsselfiguren Tom Brady, Erfolgscoach Bill Belichick und Clubbesitzer Robert Kraft. Durch seine gründliche Recherche bietet Benedict eine Fülle neuer und überraschender Einblicke in eine Organisation, die für ihre Geheimhaltung berüchtigt ist. Das Ergebnis ist ein fesselndes und aufschlussreiches Porträt, gespickt mit menschlichen Dramen und Enthüllungen.
689 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
703 people are currently reading
2146 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Benedict
38 books173 followersJeff Benedict conducted the first national study on sexual assault and athletes. He has published three books on athletes and crime, including a blistering exposé on the NFL, Pros and Cons: The Criminals Who Play in the NFL, and Public Heroes, Private Felons: Athletes and Crimes Against Women. He is a lawyer and an investigative journalist who has written five books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
December 12, 2020
Incredibly disappointing, and I say this as a long time Patriots fan. I expected a solid insider's view of the Patriots Dynasty from 2001-2019 and instead was treated to a glorified PR piece about how great Robert Kraft and Tom Brady are. I won't say there is zero critical examination of Kraft's legacy as an owner (or as a businessman or person in general) or Brady's time on field, but it's hardly there and if you blink, you'll miss it. And the criticism that is there is on the same level one might expect from a 90's sitcom's very special episode about drug use. Belichick's reputation as a hard natured coach who will do whatever it takes to win is examined a little more in-depth, and Benedict does a good job of at least showing how it was seen as a massive risk by Kraft bringing Belichick on as head coach. Beyond that though, there is little to no critical analysis here.
Did you plan on reading this book hoping for greater insight on why Butler was benched in Super Bowl LII? Sorry, it's not here, but perhaps yet another paragraph about Kraft taking a trip to Israel with various players or celebrities is what you'd like to read about instead. On that note, telling the reader how much Israel and his faith means to Kraft is both fine and necessary if you want to show the reader who Robert Kraft really is. But after the third time, it begins to feel like a convenient way for the author to wiggle his way out of criticizing Kraft. By the fifth time, you begin asking yourself what Kraft's trips to Israel with veteran players has to do with the teams roster decisions. Benedict does spend a few paragraphs talking about Kraft's efforts to help with criminal justice reform and to free Meek Mill, but it feels like an after thought. You would think that with recent events, those endeavors would garner a lot more attention in this book, but they do not.
Were you hopeful for some insider perspectives of how Belichick rallied his team during half time at Super Bowl LI or some in-depth recollections of some of the biggest games the Patriots played? Not in this book, we're instead treated to pedestrian recounting of many pivotal games throughout the Patriots Dynasty that last only a few paragraphs much of the time. The exceptions being the Pats-Jets game in which Moe Lewis' hit on Bledsoe changed the teams landscape, the Patriots-Colts AFC 2014 championship game (or really just the entire 2014 post-season), and the Snowbowl AFC divisional game against the Raiders in 2002. Honestly, you will read better recaps of pivotal moments of the Patriots on field victories by reading their various Wikipedia entries.
Did you hope for maybe a little more introspection on Belichick, Brady, and Kraft's relationship with Donald Trump and how that might be at odds with the team being in one of the bluest regions of the country? Sorry, it's not here. Sure Benedict addresses it, but only briefly and without any critical analysis. Oh and for whatever reason, he neglects to mention particular events (MAGA hat in Brady's locker? Never heard of it!) while spending ample time on others. Belichicks letter to Trump is probably the most where any of the three major parties are scrutinized, and even then, it's barely there.
How about Robert Kraft being charged with soliciting prostitution? Surely this will garner at least a chapter of examining the level of power Kraft wields as a billionaire owner of one of, if not the most visible professional sports teams over the last 20 years, and whether or not he's made some missteps in his time as owner. Afraid not. We're treated to a couple of paragraphs in the epilogue, and those paragraphs read as if Kraft was merely charged with speeding through a school zone. It's insulting. No, I don't think the author needed to rake Kraft over the coals for several chapters over it, but the way in which the entire incident is treated as a trivial event should really show you how badly the author dropped the ball here. It all makes sense once you learn that the author is close friends with Kraft and has vacationed with him a few times, including while he was writing this book. Upon learning that, it suddenly makes so much sense why the book is written like a PR piece.
If you're looking for a solid account of the Patriots since Robert Kraft became the owner, that will show you the good and the bad even when it hurts to do so, this isn't the book for you. Nothing in this book is ground breaking or new if you've followed the team closely over the last 20 years. If you merely want a book to read that doesn't challenge your love of this team and doesn't spend any serious time pointing out areas in which they've made mistakes, well look no further.
Did you plan on reading this book hoping for greater insight on why Butler was benched in Super Bowl LII? Sorry, it's not here, but perhaps yet another paragraph about Kraft taking a trip to Israel with various players or celebrities is what you'd like to read about instead. On that note, telling the reader how much Israel and his faith means to Kraft is both fine and necessary if you want to show the reader who Robert Kraft really is. But after the third time, it begins to feel like a convenient way for the author to wiggle his way out of criticizing Kraft. By the fifth time, you begin asking yourself what Kraft's trips to Israel with veteran players has to do with the teams roster decisions. Benedict does spend a few paragraphs talking about Kraft's efforts to help with criminal justice reform and to free Meek Mill, but it feels like an after thought. You would think that with recent events, those endeavors would garner a lot more attention in this book, but they do not.
Were you hopeful for some insider perspectives of how Belichick rallied his team during half time at Super Bowl LI or some in-depth recollections of some of the biggest games the Patriots played? Not in this book, we're instead treated to pedestrian recounting of many pivotal games throughout the Patriots Dynasty that last only a few paragraphs much of the time. The exceptions being the Pats-Jets game in which Moe Lewis' hit on Bledsoe changed the teams landscape, the Patriots-Colts AFC 2014 championship game (or really just the entire 2014 post-season), and the Snowbowl AFC divisional game against the Raiders in 2002. Honestly, you will read better recaps of pivotal moments of the Patriots on field victories by reading their various Wikipedia entries.
Did you hope for maybe a little more introspection on Belichick, Brady, and Kraft's relationship with Donald Trump and how that might be at odds with the team being in one of the bluest regions of the country? Sorry, it's not here. Sure Benedict addresses it, but only briefly and without any critical analysis. Oh and for whatever reason, he neglects to mention particular events (MAGA hat in Brady's locker? Never heard of it!) while spending ample time on others. Belichicks letter to Trump is probably the most where any of the three major parties are scrutinized, and even then, it's barely there.
How about Robert Kraft being charged with soliciting prostitution? Surely this will garner at least a chapter of examining the level of power Kraft wields as a billionaire owner of one of, if not the most visible professional sports teams over the last 20 years, and whether or not he's made some missteps in his time as owner. Afraid not. We're treated to a couple of paragraphs in the epilogue, and those paragraphs read as if Kraft was merely charged with speeding through a school zone. It's insulting. No, I don't think the author needed to rake Kraft over the coals for several chapters over it, but the way in which the entire incident is treated as a trivial event should really show you how badly the author dropped the ball here. It all makes sense once you learn that the author is close friends with Kraft and has vacationed with him a few times, including while he was writing this book. Upon learning that, it suddenly makes so much sense why the book is written like a PR piece.
If you're looking for a solid account of the Patriots since Robert Kraft became the owner, that will show you the good and the bad even when it hurts to do so, this isn't the book for you. Nothing in this book is ground breaking or new if you've followed the team closely over the last 20 years. If you merely want a book to read that doesn't challenge your love of this team and doesn't spend any serious time pointing out areas in which they've made mistakes, well look no further.
September 16, 2020
As a lifelong Pats fan, I've read virtually everything I could get my hands on. Nothing compared to this. Incredible read.
October 7, 2020
The Dynasty by Jeff Benedict is a fabulous warts and all book about the New England Patriots, it's not sugar coated like you would expect it to be there's not hiding anything which kind of surprised me.
I definitely enjoyed this I loved how it literally starts with how Robert Kraft meet his wife and taking his children to Patriots games and having not a lot to having everything, the ups and downs the back stabbing, the ruthlessness of business between people with that kind of money,
And of course how the Dynasty was made never in a million years will we ever see anything like that again.
Bill Belichick is a hard man who wants the best and expects nothing less I kind of get his I'm your boss not your friend attitude because cutting and getting rid of players like they are chess pieces can't be washed in emotions and Robert Kraft is the one who just loves all the player like family especially the main ones such as Tom Brady (of course) Julian Eldermen, Rob Gronkowski and plenty others.
I must admit I was washed with many emotions reading this from shock( to actually understand what happens to these mens bodies and spirit) to a good giggle and then there's the suspicion of REALLY!!!! You didn't know 😏
It's definitely worth a read even if the NFL isn't your thing this is definitely a good and interesting read 📖
I definitely enjoyed this I loved how it literally starts with how Robert Kraft meet his wife and taking his children to Patriots games and having not a lot to having everything, the ups and downs the back stabbing, the ruthlessness of business between people with that kind of money,
And of course how the Dynasty was made never in a million years will we ever see anything like that again.
Bill Belichick is a hard man who wants the best and expects nothing less I kind of get his I'm your boss not your friend attitude because cutting and getting rid of players like they are chess pieces can't be washed in emotions and Robert Kraft is the one who just loves all the player like family especially the main ones such as Tom Brady (of course) Julian Eldermen, Rob Gronkowski and plenty others.
I must admit I was washed with many emotions reading this from shock( to actually understand what happens to these mens bodies and spirit) to a good giggle and then there's the suspicion of REALLY!!!! You didn't know 😏
It's definitely worth a read even if the NFL isn't your thing this is definitely a good and interesting read 📖
October 4, 2020
This book has a ton of fascinating detail and promise, but it gets bogged down in reciting the accomplishments, loses sight of the broader narrative, and eventually falls short of being a classic. Almost like an 18-1 season.
May 20, 2020
I'm writing this from the future. The greatest book of all time. Got me jacked and pumped x 10.
September 6, 2020
I am a Patriots fan so I am familiar with almost all the information with the exception of the detail around how Robert Kraft met his wife and acquired the Patriots. I enjoyed the book but it is written in a very team friendly and protagonist friendly way. That is not a criticism, but if you are not a fan you might have some scepticism of the portrayals. It is equally believable though that the characters are the decent people they are portrayed to be. It certainly increased my admiration for Robert Kraft.
January 3, 2021
Even though I am an avid New England Patriots fan, I believe this book to be valuable to any sports fan, business owner and entrepreneur. This complete understanding of how Robert Kraft constructed the most dynamic sports dynasty of all time and managed the relationship of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick is invaluable information while also being highly entertaining.
August 8, 2025
Only makes 3 stars bc I’m a pats fan. I would not recommend this book. It’s very well researched but not especially critical of any of the main characters. Way too much of a Kraft hagiography.
June 26, 2024
Amazing
December 26, 2024
Very thorough and definitely the most comprehensive history of the era of patriot football. I don't think anyone outside of the region would enjoy it for a second, it's pretty dry and not super gripping tbh. Sort of reads like a textbook. Some grammatical/spelling in my copy of it too, kinda unprofessional
September 13, 2020
A couplet from “Maud Muller,” a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, is an oft-quoted adage of life: “For of all sad words of tongue or pen, / The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” This is a constant reminder of a theme running through Jeff Benedict’s THE DYNASTY, a marvelously told story of the New England Patriots.
For decades, the Patriots were a patsy franchise in the National Football League, and now they are riding a 20-year reign atop the standings, making them the most successful team in NFL history. In THE DYNASTY, sports fans who revel in the “what if” game have countless opportunities to observe how one deviation along the historical path might have changed the course of professional football history.
What if Robert Kraft’s bid to buy the team had failed and the winning bidders had moved the franchise to St. Louis?
What if Bill Parcells and Kraft had not had a falling-out that ended with Parcells quitting and Bill Belichick becoming New England’s coach?
What if Drew Bledsoe had not suffered a devastating injury at the height of his career?
What if the weather in Champaign, Illinois, had been better the day that young Tom Brady visited the University of Illinois campus for his recruiting visit?
What if Brady had not still been available to the Patriots in the seventh round of the NFL draft?
Any one of these “what ifs” might have led to New England remaining a league doormat. Other franchises have suffered through decades of mediocrity (my own Chicago Bears come to mind), but the story of the Patriots and their rise to the top is more than just a story of winning and losing. THE DYNASTY is not merely an account of games, seasons and Super Bowls (which make up less than one-fifth of the book). This is the story of a well-run and successful business, very much like Apple or Amazon. It is a formula that people interested in how business succeeds might study and follow. But even after 500 pages, countless interviews and exhaustive investigation, that formula cannot be summarized in just a few words or sentences.
In Benedict’s account, it becomes clear that the Patriots do it differently. They are a cohesive organization from top to bottom, where every member acts with certain overarching goals in mind. Sports fans recognize that Patriots executives, coaches and players often accept positions with other teams and cannot duplicate their New England success. There is a synergy in the organization that drives the team, starting with the ownership and moving through the coaches, players and staff.
Not being a Patriots fan, I understand that many detractors might view them in a different light. Benedict does not shy away from their dark side. The allegations of cheating, the Aaron Hernandez case, the treatment of player injuries, and an NFL philosophy where players at the end of their careers are viewed as commodities are all discussed and acknowledged here. Not surprisingly, the constant reminder from Benedict is that professional football is a business, a tough and nasty one. The Kraft family, Belichick, Brady and the Patriots all excel in the business they have chosen.
You don’t need be a sports fan to enjoy this masterpiece study of a successful sports franchise. Authors who produce memorable histories and biographies often share career backgrounds as journalists before moving to historical writing. Robert Caro and David Maraniss immediately come to mind, and Benedict, who spent years as a special-features writer for Sports Illustrated, has similar experience. With substantial research, great attention to detail and superb writing, THE DYNASTY is a book worthy of the team it chronicles.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
For decades, the Patriots were a patsy franchise in the National Football League, and now they are riding a 20-year reign atop the standings, making them the most successful team in NFL history. In THE DYNASTY, sports fans who revel in the “what if” game have countless opportunities to observe how one deviation along the historical path might have changed the course of professional football history.
What if Robert Kraft’s bid to buy the team had failed and the winning bidders had moved the franchise to St. Louis?
What if Bill Parcells and Kraft had not had a falling-out that ended with Parcells quitting and Bill Belichick becoming New England’s coach?
What if Drew Bledsoe had not suffered a devastating injury at the height of his career?
What if the weather in Champaign, Illinois, had been better the day that young Tom Brady visited the University of Illinois campus for his recruiting visit?
What if Brady had not still been available to the Patriots in the seventh round of the NFL draft?
Any one of these “what ifs” might have led to New England remaining a league doormat. Other franchises have suffered through decades of mediocrity (my own Chicago Bears come to mind), but the story of the Patriots and their rise to the top is more than just a story of winning and losing. THE DYNASTY is not merely an account of games, seasons and Super Bowls (which make up less than one-fifth of the book). This is the story of a well-run and successful business, very much like Apple or Amazon. It is a formula that people interested in how business succeeds might study and follow. But even after 500 pages, countless interviews and exhaustive investigation, that formula cannot be summarized in just a few words or sentences.
In Benedict’s account, it becomes clear that the Patriots do it differently. They are a cohesive organization from top to bottom, where every member acts with certain overarching goals in mind. Sports fans recognize that Patriots executives, coaches and players often accept positions with other teams and cannot duplicate their New England success. There is a synergy in the organization that drives the team, starting with the ownership and moving through the coaches, players and staff.
Not being a Patriots fan, I understand that many detractors might view them in a different light. Benedict does not shy away from their dark side. The allegations of cheating, the Aaron Hernandez case, the treatment of player injuries, and an NFL philosophy where players at the end of their careers are viewed as commodities are all discussed and acknowledged here. Not surprisingly, the constant reminder from Benedict is that professional football is a business, a tough and nasty one. The Kraft family, Belichick, Brady and the Patriots all excel in the business they have chosen.
You don’t need be a sports fan to enjoy this masterpiece study of a successful sports franchise. Authors who produce memorable histories and biographies often share career backgrounds as journalists before moving to historical writing. Robert Caro and David Maraniss immediately come to mind, and Benedict, who spent years as a special-features writer for Sports Illustrated, has similar experience. With substantial research, great attention to detail and superb writing, THE DYNASTY is a book worthy of the team it chronicles.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
July 7, 2024
Whew, this was a long one!! It’s wild to re-live so many of the memorable moments of this team, and to revisit the countless players who contributed to the legacy. I had forgotten about many of the early ones and got chills multiple times when reading about the Patriots drafting them. I’ve seen other critiques of this book say that there is very little criticism of all the individuals included, and I agree that it presents as a bit of a fairytale in the way most folks are portrayed. Still, I found this book very engaging and would recommend!!
March 9, 2021
The author paints vivid scenes, wisely starting with the one in which Drew Bledsoe goes firm franchise fixture in the second year of a huge contract to fighting for his life with his concern protégé on hand.
As time passes, though, it becomes difficult to distinguish one season from the next, and the next, and the next.
As time passes, though, it becomes difficult to distinguish one season from the next, and the next, and the next.
July 24, 2024
My first foray back into nonfiction after being in faerie and dragon land for past 9 months. wow what a welcome back. Hated the patriots growing up and still appreciated this book. Basically follows the entire time of me being a sports fan because the patriots dynasty was that long!! But the first 20% of book was the story of Robert Kraft and then him buying patriots. Learned a lot of stuff I didn’t know. I wonder what would’ve happened if the team really did move to Hartford.
Great stories about the relationship between Brady, Kraft, and Belicheck. Brady seems like such a great guy and a truly great leader. Wish belicheck appreciated that more. Also when Kraft gave Brady’s mom a Super Bowl ring after battling cancer, I did tear up.
Great stories about the relationship between Brady, Kraft, and Belicheck. Brady seems like such a great guy and a truly great leader. Wish belicheck appreciated that more. Also when Kraft gave Brady’s mom a Super Bowl ring after battling cancer, I did tear up.
February 15, 2021
The author does an excellent job of it just recording information but doing it in a way that forms a visual, tangible experience while the reader consumes. The stories and situations are captivating and do the Patriots organization a great justice and relays the story in a way that is worthy of the brilliance of the dynasty.
December 19, 2020
This book was written for me, as a lifelong Patriots fan I thoroughly enjoyed reliving some of my favorite memories. 20 years, 9 Super Bowl appearances, 6 Super Bowl victories, the greatest owner, coach, and quarterback of all time, is there any doubt that this is the greatest dynasty ever?
November 9, 2021
Very interesting book, particularly enjoyed the earlier years of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I did expect a little more “dirt” on the players and team, although it wasn’t the case. Lots of fun going back through all the stories and controversies from this dynasty of the past 20 years, in an extremely deep level of detail. The amount of work put into this book is outstanding.
September 2, 2021
Great book describing the relationship between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and how they created a dynasty. Tom is the real GOAT.
December 28, 2020
Incredible. I loved every minute! As a Patriots nerd, this was everything I ever wanted to know. Highly recommend! Audiobook was great.
February 1, 2022
Essential reading if you’re a Patriots fan. Poignant to finish it on the day the GOAT Tom Brady announced his retirement.
February 9, 2025
Riveting book from start to finish. Goes well beyond the results to paint a picture of how Belichick, Brady & Kraft made the Patriots the NFL's greatest dynasty.
September 11, 2020
Exceptionally complete as a history, and wonderful insight into the early days of the Kraft empire. However, much of the the last decade was well understood by anyone following the news and offered no real new insights. Additionally, Belichick's lack of perspective in all of this was abundantly clear. I expected a lot more from someone with such acclaimed access; that said this is a must-own and "the book" for anyone looking to get up to speed on the Patriots' dynasty.
February 13, 2024
What an amazing read that every Patriots, football or sports fan should take the time to read and appreciate what it took to keep these three, strong personalities together for 20 years.
This book is a testament to Jeff Benedict’s Herculean effort to “get into the engine room” of the New England Patriots. He does an amazing job painting the picture of what happened on and off the field. More so he did an amazing job of getting what was “behind the curtain” out front and in the open for the reader to truly understand what transpired.
I loved this book, and will certainly read more from Jeff Benedict in the future.
This book is a testament to Jeff Benedict’s Herculean effort to “get into the engine room” of the New England Patriots. He does an amazing job painting the picture of what happened on and off the field. More so he did an amazing job of getting what was “behind the curtain” out front and in the open for the reader to truly understand what transpired.
I loved this book, and will certainly read more from Jeff Benedict in the future.
December 19, 2022
This book is highly informative, and does a good job of going through twenty years of the Patriots' history. I learned quite a bit, and it was fun getting different perspectives on some truly memorable sports history (helmet catch forever.) That said - author was so clearly in the pocket of Robert Kraft! If you read the acknowledgements, they went on vacation together during the writing of the book! I heartily recommend you read Big Game before (or instead of) this book, as it provides a picture of Kraft that explicates a great deal of what is only portrayed contextually in this book - basically, he calls everyone who we can extract value from his fifth son, and he's got a real skill for displays of emotion and togetherness that inevitably lead to him becoming richer.
February 27, 2023
Robert Kraft is the businessman people blindly see Donald Trump as. I thought this book would be a good listen in the background and was blown away at how great the lessons were. From business success to valuing what truly is important in life and building those up around you, The Dynasty lets you see how the greatest sports dynasty wasn't just a happenstance event but was the meticulous actions of a few individuals. I do hope there is an addendum added in 10 years looking at the events after Tom Brady left and getting more perspective after the fact. Highly recommend this book to *non*fiction fans whether you like sports or not!
January 28, 2021
Required reading for any Pats fan. This is a "warts and all" look at the Pats from Robert Kraft's ingenious "long view" approach to obtaining the team, right through Brady's departure. The crushing defeats, the incredible comeback victories, Myra and Robert's incredible love story, as well as the family approach to the running of the team. Spygate, Deflategate, backroom discussions, and celebrations. Through thousands of interviews, and reams of tedious research, Jeff Benedict has written the Bible on the Pats last 20 years of incredible success.
October 24, 2020
To call it a hagiography would be an understatement. The New Testament takes a more measured view of Jesus than Benedict does of Kraft/Belichick/Brady in this book. It's a shame because it undermines what could have been a very interesting and insightful look at the team.
December 28, 2021
This book reads like a press release from the Kraft Group.
My only takeaway is that Robert Kraft is the greatest human being to have ever lived (if the author is to be believed).
My only takeaway is that Robert Kraft is the greatest human being to have ever lived (if the author is to be believed).
December 11, 2020
The New England Patriots have built one of the longest lasting dynasties in professional sports, lasting 20 years built primarily around three people – owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichik and quarterback Tom Brady. Together, those three brought the Patriots to the Super Bowl nine times, winning six of them and galvanizing millions of fans on one side or the other of being fans of the team. This dynasty is captured in this lengthy but well-written book by Jeff Benedict.
Something that will be noticed by readers soon after starting the 587 page book is that while a football team is the subject and the games they have played, including the Super Bowl, will be captured throughout the book, they will not be the primary focus of the book. Much more space is devoted to the off-field activities of all three of these men, even Brady. At times, this is much more interesting than the games on the field. One of the topics in which I believe the writing and storytelling is superb is how Kraft ended up owning the team, which was quite and adventure and nearly resulted in the team playing in Hartford instead of suburban Boston.
Some of these stories are well-known – Brady becoming the starting quarterback only due to a serious injury to veteran signal caller Drew Bledsoe, Belichick becoming coach of the Patriots one day after being named coach of the rival New York Jets and the subsequent negotiations for compensation, "Spygate" when the Patriots were accused of illegally taping Jets coaches and "Deflategate" when the Patriots and specifically Brady were accused of deflating footballs below the required pressure in the 2015 AFC Championship game. These and so many more stories about the team are told in a such a fresh and entertaining manner that readers who are avid fans of the team and know about these matters will still enjoy the book.
This review only scratches the surface of the information contained in this publication and Benedict pulls no punches. He has many words about former coach Bill Parcells, the upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVII that kept the Patriots from enjoying a perfect season and the improbable comeback by New England in Super Bowl LI. Readers who enjoy pro football, regardless of their fandom of the Patriots, should add this one to their reading lists.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Something that will be noticed by readers soon after starting the 587 page book is that while a football team is the subject and the games they have played, including the Super Bowl, will be captured throughout the book, they will not be the primary focus of the book. Much more space is devoted to the off-field activities of all three of these men, even Brady. At times, this is much more interesting than the games on the field. One of the topics in which I believe the writing and storytelling is superb is how Kraft ended up owning the team, which was quite and adventure and nearly resulted in the team playing in Hartford instead of suburban Boston.
Some of these stories are well-known – Brady becoming the starting quarterback only due to a serious injury to veteran signal caller Drew Bledsoe, Belichick becoming coach of the Patriots one day after being named coach of the rival New York Jets and the subsequent negotiations for compensation, "Spygate" when the Patriots were accused of illegally taping Jets coaches and "Deflategate" when the Patriots and specifically Brady were accused of deflating footballs below the required pressure in the 2015 AFC Championship game. These and so many more stories about the team are told in a such a fresh and entertaining manner that readers who are avid fans of the team and know about these matters will still enjoy the book.
This review only scratches the surface of the information contained in this publication and Benedict pulls no punches. He has many words about former coach Bill Parcells, the upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVII that kept the Patriots from enjoying a perfect season and the improbable comeback by New England in Super Bowl LI. Readers who enjoy pro football, regardless of their fandom of the Patriots, should add this one to their reading lists.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
September 10, 2023
Without doubt, the most complete, detailed and compelling sports book I have read.
The Dynasty is the story of arguably the greatest dynasty in American professional sports: The New England Patriots. The book is centred around three protagonists, owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady. While there are obviously many other role players along the way, these three are the undeniable pillars of the legendary Patriots dynasty.
Without delving too much into spoiler territory, the prologue sets a rich and poignant scene. It is 2001, the Patriots' star quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been hospitalised with a potentially life threatening injury. From his hospital bed, he looks up at the figures of Kraft, Belichick and Brady, the nucleus of all that would follow. Who in the world could have predicted what was to follow?
The author, Jeff Benedict masterfully builds on this incredible opening, introducing our three heroes one by one as they enter the Patriots organisations. Benedict has done an extraordinary amount of research for this book. Kraft, Belichick and Brady each have their own detailed backstories documented in this book. I feel it is important to add, that Benedict is extremely transparent in his referencing, providing specific sources for testimonies, and offering explanations as to how he is able to provide accounts of conversations from decades ago.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this book is just how well the author is able to remain so detailed in his writing, whilst also forging an engaging narrative which makes this such an enjoyable book to read. Some writers can get bogged down with facts at the expense of readability, while others struggle to remain factual as they attempt to make their work flow.
Fans with even a passing interest in the NFL will find this book informative, captivating and deeply touching. It's a story of loyalty, determination and principles. It's a love letter to the great sport of football, and it's a phenomenal tribute to the New England Patriots dynasty of 2001-2019.
The Dynasty is the story of arguably the greatest dynasty in American professional sports: The New England Patriots. The book is centred around three protagonists, owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady. While there are obviously many other role players along the way, these three are the undeniable pillars of the legendary Patriots dynasty.
Without delving too much into spoiler territory, the prologue sets a rich and poignant scene. It is 2001, the Patriots' star quarterback Drew Bledsoe has been hospitalised with a potentially life threatening injury. From his hospital bed, he looks up at the figures of Kraft, Belichick and Brady, the nucleus of all that would follow. Who in the world could have predicted what was to follow?
The author, Jeff Benedict masterfully builds on this incredible opening, introducing our three heroes one by one as they enter the Patriots organisations. Benedict has done an extraordinary amount of research for this book. Kraft, Belichick and Brady each have their own detailed backstories documented in this book. I feel it is important to add, that Benedict is extremely transparent in his referencing, providing specific sources for testimonies, and offering explanations as to how he is able to provide accounts of conversations from decades ago.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this book is just how well the author is able to remain so detailed in his writing, whilst also forging an engaging narrative which makes this such an enjoyable book to read. Some writers can get bogged down with facts at the expense of readability, while others struggle to remain factual as they attempt to make their work flow.
Fans with even a passing interest in the NFL will find this book informative, captivating and deeply touching. It's a story of loyalty, determination and principles. It's a love letter to the great sport of football, and it's a phenomenal tribute to the New England Patriots dynasty of 2001-2019.
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