Bill Belichick, the longtime head coach of the New England Patriots foot team, has cited Massachusetts’ income surtax as a significant hurdle in his efforts to recruit top NFL talent.

Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Belichick said the so-called “Millioniare’s Tax” levied by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts works against the New England Patriots organization when they’re trying to recruit players, even practice squad players.

“It’s taxachusetts, yeah,” said Belichick, when asked about the penalty successful people pay for the luxury of living in Democratic Gov. Maura Healey’s state.

“Once you hit that million-dollar threshold, then you pay more state tax in Massachusetts,” Belichick said. He pointed out that this financial burden is not a concern in states like Tennessee, Florida, and Nevada, where there is no state income tax. “It’s just another thing you’ve got to contend with in negotiations up there,” he added.

The tax issue has become a significant factor as the Patriots attempt to rebuild in the post-Tom Brady era. The franchise, which once dominated the NFL, has struggled to maintain its competitive edge, and Belichick’s remarks suggest that state tax policies are further complicating efforts to attract and retain talent.

“Agents are quick to bring it up,” Belichick said, noting that comparisons to tax-friendly states often come up in discussions. The coach expressed frustration that Massachusetts’ tax environment places the Patriots at a disadvantage relative to teams in other states.

The impact of state taxes on professional sports teams is not a new issue, but Belichick’s comments underscore the real-world implications for franchises operating in high-tax states.

Unmentioned by Belichick during the interview: the countless benefits that residents of Massachusetts get in exchange for the high tax burden.

Such as the joy that comes with knowing your tax dollars are paying for $120,000 housing benefits for illegal aliens, free health care for illegal aliens, Food Stamps for illegal aliens, and other lux benefits for the tens of thousands of “New Massh***s” Gov. Healey has invited to the Commonwealth.