Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the Biggest Bromances In Sports

There are some man-to-man relationships that transcend all struggles, out-trump all weaknesses and remain close to the heart even following a broken heart.

We call these relationships "bromances" and there are plenty in the wacky world of sports.

Players and coaches become intertwined so permanently that their destiny is in itself intertwined.

They find themselves hand-in-hand in their quest for a championship and become close companions along the way.

Here are the top 15 current bromances in sports.

Enjoy.

15. John Harbaugh, Ray Lewis: Baltimore Ravens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Head coach John Harbaugh and Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens shake hands after defeating the Carolina Panthers 37-13 at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Leck

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh loves his job and a lot of that has to do with having linebacker Ray Lewis by his side since taking over as coach in 2008.

Harbaugh's made the playoffs his first three seasons in the league, in large part due to Lewis and the Ravens' stingy defense.

Not a lot of people could qualify for a bromance with the intimidating Ray Lewis, but Harbaugh would soar anywhere with his favorite linebacker in the whole wide world.

14. Lovie Smith, Brian Urlacher: Chicago Bears

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Bears coach Lovie Smith looks on as Brian Urlacher holds the George S. Halas trophy after the Bears won the 2007 NFC Championship game between the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on January 21, 2007. (Photo by A

I've been waiting to use Lovie Smith's name in romantic way ever since first seeing his name...and here's my chance.

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith Lovies linebacker Brian Urlacher so much that the two have become inseparable since he first took over as coach in 2004.

Urlacher, one of the best linebackers in the league, helped bring Lovie and the Bears all the way to the NFC Championship Game this year.

Lovie was eternally grateful.

13. Sean Payton, Drew Brees: New Orleans Saints

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees #9 celebrate after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (P

When you have a quarterback like Drew Brees, it can certainly bring a smile on a coach's face.

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has had his fair share of smiles as coach to Brees' quarterbacking genius since taking over as coach in 2006.

Since '06, the Saints have made the playoffs three times and won the Super Bowl last season.

I guess you could say they see eye to eye.

12. George Karl, Carmelo Anthony: Denver Nuggets

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DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 9: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets shares a laugh with head coach George Karl against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter on November 9, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets won 107-91. (Photo

'Melo's current awkward situation with the Denver Nuggets brings this bromance down a notch or two, but make no mistake, these two respect each other...I mean, really respect each other. So much so that they both might love each other. OK, I'll stop there.

Coach George Karl has praised Carmelo a few times in the last few years, and his soft-spoken demeanor is the perfect recipe for a bromance.

If 'Melo stays in Denver, we'll bring this bromance up a few spots in the Bromance Power Rankings.

11. Tony La Russa, Albert Pujols: St. Louis Cardinals

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Albert Pujols #5 and manager Tony LaRussa #10 of the St. Louis Cardinals embrace after defeating the New York Mets 3 to 1 in game seven of the NLCS at Shea Stadium on October 19, 2006 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borou

St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa can be a sore thumb sometimes and appear not the happiest camper.

But he loves his favorite slugger, Albert Pujols.

He may not show it all the time, but make no mistake, La Russa has mad respect for Pujols.

Just look at that bear-hug, so passionate.

10. The Big Three: Miami Heat

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates with Dwyane Wade #3 and Chris Bosh #1 after a 95-94 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on December 18, 2010 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

The force of the bromance was so strong with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, all three made "The Decision" to join forces in Miami this offseason.

There was a little romantic tension early on when they were struggling, but with the way they are playing now, it's safe to say they have a whole lot of chemistry.

They've only done this for less than a year though, so they can't make it inside the top 10.

Bromances take long-term commitment.

9. Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings: Green Bay Packers

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: (R-L) Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 and Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate the Packers 21-14 victory against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illin

Ever since taking over as the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has regularly looked receiver Greg Jennings' way for guidance.

Their bromance hit a bit of a wall in 2009 when Jennings only caught four TD passes, but it's back in full force now.

Jennings caught 12 touchdowns this season, reigniting the chemistry the two share.

What a lovable bunch of Cheeseheads.

(Note: But looking at their teammate in the background of this picture, I don't think all of the team approves of this bromance.)

8. Jerry Sloan, Deron Williams: Utah Jazz

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HOUSTON - MAY 5: Head coach Jerry Sloan talks with Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center May 5, 2007 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Jerry Sloan has historically been a tough coach to play for, specifically for point guards (I mean, he even used to yell at legend John Stockton).

But Sloan has warmed up to his young star point guard Deron Williams.

Williams has probably exceeded what anybody thought he could do, and stands as one of the best point guards in the game today.

He may not show it looking at this picture, but Sloan has a lot of respect for Deron. A bit of an abusive relationship, but filled with passion.

7. The Boston Three Party: Boston Celtics

Wish I could take credit for this nickname, but that comes courtesy of a Sportscenter commercial.

Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have become an inseparable trio ever since joining up in Boston in 2007 and proceeding to win the championship.

They've fallen on some hard times after losing in the Finals last year to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they remain as close as ever.

6. Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan/Tony Parker: San Antonio Spurs

Ever since drafting Tim Duncan with the first pick of the 1996 NBA Draft, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has developed one of the legendary bromances with Tim Duncan.

Tony Parker has come along and become part of their bromance family.

Popovich has won four NBA championships with Duncan by his side, and three ever since Parker came along.

They may squabble, but the respect is at an all-time high.

(Note: Notice where Manu Ginoibili is in this picture. He has yet to enter the bromance.)

5. Red Sox Fans, Kevin Youkilis: Boston Red Sox

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BOSTON - JULY 04: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his solo home run in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on July 4, 2010 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 6-1. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

Apparently there's a lot of love in Boston, particularly of the bromance kind (sorry Bostonians, just calling it like I see it; I'd be part of your bromance any day of the week).

Red Sox fans have gone from Nomar Garciaparra to David Ortiz and now seem to have settled in with first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

They even chant "Yoouuuu" when he comes up to the plate.

Like "We love yoouuuu!"

4. Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate their 24 to 19 win over the New York Jets in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The love former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher once shared with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has since transferred from Cowher to Mike Tomlin.

Since taking over in 2007, the Steelers have made the playoffs three times, won a Super Bowl and have a chance to win another in Super Bowl XLV.

The bond is already drawing headlines as them being a legendary pair. More like a legendary bromance if you ask me.

3. Yankees Fans, Derek Jeter: New York Yankees

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 19: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees smiles during batting practice against the Texas Rangers in Game Four of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 19, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Ph

The love from New York for Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is well-documented.

But his uncomfortable offseason negotiations with the organization dipped the Love-O-Meter with the Yankees faithful a bit.

Plus, it's not really fair to compare a whole city to a singular bromance.

I mean, imagine a whole city full of Darrelle Revis' and Rex Ryans. That would probably out-trump the love exuded to Jeter in New York.

Which brings me to my next bromance...

2. Rex Ryan, Darrelle Revis: New York Jets

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has certainly not been bashful in making his love of cornerback Darrelle Revis known throughout the NFL landscape.

When Revis was holding out due to contract negotiations this season, Ryan seemed to take his side, even saying Revis was the best player in the NFL.

He's been unwavering in his support for Revis and one gets the feeling if they continue on this path, someone's heart is bound to get broken.

It's just too emotional.

Don't hold on too tight, Rex Ryan.

1. Bill Belichick, Tom Brady: New England Patriots

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England speak to Head Coach Bill Belichick against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game on October 24, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty

When you have one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Tom Brady, it's bound to make any coach exude love and respect.

Brady is the only man to this day who I've seen make coach Bill Belichick crack a smile...not on Belichick's terms.

He's an ornery and oftentimes closed-off coach, especially to the media regarding injury reports.

But Brady is the only man that gets him to open up, to express his feelings...that, and three Super Bowl rings can certainly help.

The No. 1 bromance in sports...Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.