It was a separation that was just waiting to happen. Last year, it finally did. After years of rumored animosity between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the unstoppable player-coach duo of the New England Patriots finally bid each other adieu last season.

Like all long relationships, the small cracks slowly evolved into gaping holes for Brady and Belichick, who brought six Super Bowl titles to the Patriots. Eventually, the star quarterback finally had enough and looked for a new scenario, finding it with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who welcomed him with open arms.

Many have been said about the real reason behind Brady's departure from the Patriots. But according to NBC Sports analyst Peter King, it was pretty clear what led to The GOAT's bitter exit.

“I think, at the end, Tom Brady wanted two things: He wanted to experience a new brand of football. Remember, 2019 was his 29th season of football—high school, college, and pro. All 29 years, he played for a defensive coach. So, I think he really wanted to go somewhere—whether it be Frank Reich, Kyle Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians—he wanted to go to a place with an offensive coach who he felt like would have more of an understanding of him. I think that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will embrace (at the Pro Football Hall of Fame) in Canton 12, 15 years from now, whatever it is. But I do think Brady wanted a breath of fresh air.”

Brady and Belichick will be reunited for the first time on Sunday as the Buccaneers visit the Patriots at Gillette Stadium, and it would be interesting to see if they'll interact at some point.