Robert Kraft takes shot at Jets in presenting Bill Belichick with game ball

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FOXBORO — Robert Kraft is almost always in the Patriots locker room after wins to congratulate his team. He was there again on Sunday night, but his most recent postgame visit was unique.

Bill Belichick had just recorded his 300th win as a head coach, placing him in the rarest of air among the most successful coaches in league history. The Patriots owner wanted to commemorate the moment by giving Belichick a game ball.

"We don't give game balls out without it being a special milestone," Kraft said. "Sept. 8, 1991 the man on my left came to Foxboro to coach the Cleveland Browns against the New England Patriots and won his first game as a head coach. Twenty eight years later, coming back to this same location and winning his 300th game — only the third man in history of the 100 years in the NFL to do that. I'm happy as we all are that 263 of those 300 have been as coach of the New England Patriots."

Before handing the pigskin over — one that looked well-worn and drenched from the sloppy conditions in Foxboro during New England's 27-13 win — Kraft couldn't help but take a shot at the team that Belichick left in order to work for Kraft back in 2000.

"And I'm especially happy," Kraft continued, "that 299 was against the New York Jets. Congratulations."

With that, both Kraft and Belichick beamed.

The rivalry may be lopsided, with the Patriots bludgeoning the Jets in their most recent matchup on Monday Night Football last week. But two decades and 263 wins later, it survives.

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