Bill Belichick says letter to Donald Trump 'not politically motivated'

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed the letter he wrote to President-elect Donald Trump ahead of Tuesday's election, saying it was "not politically motivated."

"I've received a number of inquiries relative to a note I wrote to Donald on Monday," Belichick told reporters at his press conference Wednesday. "Our friendship goes back many years. And I think anybody that spends more than five minutes with me knows I'm not a political person. My comments are not politically motivated. It's friendship and loyalty to Donald.

"A couple weeks ago we had Secretary of State (John) Kerry in the locker room, another friend of mine. I can't imagine two people with more different political views than those two. But to me friendship and loyalty is just about that, it's not about political or religious views."

Trump told supporters at a New Hampshire rally on Monday night that he had the support of both Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

"Congratulations on a tremendous campaign," Trump said Monday, reading from the letter. "You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media, and have come out beautifully -- beautifully. You've proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow's election results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results tomorrow."

Hours after Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States, Belichick explained his decision to send a letter to the candidate.

"I write hundreds of letters and notes every month," Belichick said. "It doesn't mean I agree with every single thing a person thinks about politics, religion and other subjects. I have multiple friendships that are important to me. That's what that is all about. It's not about politics. It's about football. We have a huge football game this week against a great team, a great organization. That's where it all is going forward."

Belichick then tried to move the conversation from politics to Sunday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Reporters asked follow-up questions on the Trump letter topic, but Belichick repeatedly answered, "Seattle."

Belichick was asked if he could share any good memories he has had with Trump.

"Well, I can do a lot about that, but we're really just trying to focus on Seattle right here and it's a huge game for us, a great challenge, and that's where all the energy is going," Belichick said. "This is where we are. It's Wednesday before Seattle. It's Seattle ... Thank you."

Brady later spoke with reporters and said he wanted to talk only about football this week.

"I talked to my wife. She said I can't talk about politics anymore," said Brady, a longtime friend of Trump's who previously said it would be "great" if Trump were elected president.