Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history and owner of the greatest sports glow-up (sorry, Gordon Hayward), signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this off-season. After number one overall pick, Jameis Winston, left the team, a hole was left at the quarterback spot. And who better to head on down to Tompa Bay, then Tom Brady himself.
Brady was drafted to the New England Patriots 199th overall in the 2000 NFL draft out of Michigan. He became the starter following an injury to quarterback Drew Bledsoe during Terrific Tom’s second season. He, all-in-all, spent 20 seasons with the Pats, the most ever by a quarterback. During his tenure, he played in nine Super Bowls, winning six Lombardi trophies and four Super Bowl MVPs, the latter two of those being NFL records. Additionally, he has won three NFL MVP awards during his career.
After playing his entire twenty season career with the Patriots, the move to Tompa came as a surprise to many in the sports world. After spending his whole career with one team and them dipping out near the end, he joins the likes of other sports greats such as Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Joe Montana—the former two having not as impressive final runs as the third of those three listed. Brady agreed to a two-year, $50 million dollar guaranteed contract. This may seem bold to offer to a 42-year-old quarterback who is surely near the end of his career. But if he continues to stick to the TB12 method, he may never retire.
Growing up as a Peyton Manning fan, I could not stand Tom Brady during my childhood. I never wanted the Patriots to win, especially when they played the Colts or the Broncos. But, now in the absence of Manning from the NFL, I have grown to appreciate Brady and his talent more and more. Their rivalry was great to be a part of, but I wish Tampa Tom the best as he begins in Tompa Bay.