You don’t build the greatest dynasty in sports by going easy on your players. So for two decades, Bill Belichick has conducted business in a calculated fashion that allows the New England Patriots to remain a Super Bowl contender on an annual basis while never risking the long-term future of the franchise.

When Belichick signed Cam Newton to a ridiculously cheap contract, many questioned the fit between the hard-nosed head coach and the outspoken quarterback. After all, the two seem like polar opposites from a personality perspective. But on Friday, the man tasked with replacing Tom Brady exposed the truth about what it’s like to work for the Patriots head coach.

Bill Belichick puts winning above everything

Bill Belichick doesn’t care about winning a popularity contest. Just tune in to one of his press conferences and you will soon discover that Belichick will discuss the history of left-footed punters before he gives away any shred of information that could help an opponent.

From a business perspective, Belichick’s economics background plays a large role in his personnel decisions. Over the years, he has traded away star players like Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins to recoup draft capital. Belichick obviously played hardball with Tom Brady over the last few years. That resulted in the greatest quarterback of all time walking away.

Plus, playing for Belichick requires intense focus and 100% dedication to doing your job. Many draft picks have failed to pan out in New England because they could not handle the responsibilities and sheer volume of knowledge required to play for the legendary NFL coach.

Of course, Belichick’s way of doing business has paid off with six Super Bowl rings and an unprecedented run of dominance. But his deep desire to win at seemingly all costs has resulted in a less-than-stellar reputation.

Cam Newton exposes the truth about working for Belichick

Cam Newton finally found a home after waiting for months. While the Patriots seemed like a logical fit simply from a need standpoint, many wondered how the former Panthers star would click working for Bill Belichick. Though the Patriots have yet to play a down, Newton exposed the truth about the Patriots coach on Friday. (H/T ESPN)

“I’ll just say there is a perception, but at the end of the day, it’s still football,” Newton said. “I’ve loved it ever since I’ve been here. I’ve been here going on a week now. You hear rumors about certain things, but once you finally get settled in on things like that, none of that really matters. It’s just all about finding your way to prove your worth on a team.”

Newton also added that Belichick does a great job of setting the tone early. The Patriots coach sets clear expectations of his players, which stuck out to his new quarterback.

“You’re going to know certain things and how it’s done — sooner rather than later,” Newton explained.

Will Newton succeed in New England?

If Cam Newton plans on scoring a massive payday in 2021, he has to take advantage of working with the greatest head coach in NFL history. Bill Belichick may have a reputation as a difficult person to work for, but it seems like Newton already respects Belichick’s professional, no-nonsense approach.

Let’s not forget that the six-time Super Bowl champion has dealt with numerous personalities over the years. The early days of the Patriots dynasty included larger-than-life characters such as Ty Law, Rodney Harrison, and Willie McGinest.

Belichick also employed Randy Moss for a brief stretch after taking a gamble on Corey Dillon. He even brought in Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson for a year.

Newton’s success in New England starts with getting on the same page as the coaching staff. It certainly appears like both sides have taken the right approach so far. The quarterback seeking career redemption has already conducted workouts with his new receivers.

Meanwhile, Belichick has made it clear that no one has won the starting quarterback job yet. As has been the case for 20 years, the best player will start on Sundays. Ultimately, it should be Cam Newton starting Week 1 for the Patriots. Just don’t expect Bill Belichick to hand it to him.