Tom Brady going out in the wild card round of the NFL Playoffs could signify the end for the undisputed goat of the sport. However, what does this mean for the sport and more specifically what does it means for NFL quarterbacks?
This time of year, is when Tom Brady would be gearing up to ascend to the highest of sporting aristocracy, winning the Super Bowl and being the best player in the biggest game in North American sports. The most popular sport in the most powerful country on the planet.
Yet, Brady will be looking down on his familiar hollowed turf with a feeling of dissatisfaction and question of whether his consistent chase is finally over.
Last year, Brady announced his retirement from American Football, and received his flowers and outpouring of love, admiration and respect for a man who transcends the sport as a whole.
However, there was a slight feeling that this was a pre-emptive retirement and that Tom Terrific wanted one last dance. This was correct. He came back from an unimaginable position which is somewhat poetic of Tom Brady’s career, to continue to pursue the dream of success.
The 31-14 defeat to a resurgent Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys abruptly finished that and highlighted that it might be one step too far.
His divorce from Gisele Bundchen this season, whom had been a pillar of this phenomenal man’s life, showed a vulnerability and somewhat unforeseen human element to a man so esteemed in glory, consistency and persistence.
A season in which he seemed a shell of his former monstrous self was only further signified when the ongoing and long written story of greatness of Tom Brady seemed to be crimpling at the edges.
But what is the long-written story of greatness of TB12? Well, it’s the seven Super Bowl wins, it’s the five Super Bowl MVP awards, it’s the three NFL MVP awards, it’s the leading of game winning drives in the final quarter of the game or even overtime in five of the seven victories, it’s the throwing for over 300 yards in five of his seven Super Bowl triumphs. Arguably, it is the greatest comeback in NFL history in Super Bowl LI. Spearheaded by Brady to overturn a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win in overtime. It is the clutch moments. Again and again and again. So many moments in fact, that there is no universal moment which confirms his Greatest Of All Time title, that is quite possibly another debate in itself. Another testament to his constant pursuit of victory and improvement
But what about the other great players in NFL history? There have been many stars who have encapsulated the attention of the world, San Francisco 49ers legend, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning who is an Indianapolis Colts icon and legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice.
Why does Tom Brady stand out? It's not just his impressive statistics and Super Bowl wins, but it's also the way he's been able to adapt his game over time. In the early part of his career, Brady was known for his accuracy and ability to read defences.
But as he's gotten older, he has had to adjust his game to compensate for a slight decline in physical ability. He's become more adept at throwing short passes and relying on his knowledge of the game to make quick decisions to read plays and defensive patterns. This ability to adapt and evolve is what has allowed Brady to play at an elite level well into his 40s and consistently push the limits, change the narrative and revolutionise the opinion of an NFL quarterback.
The evolution of the quarterback position in the last 5 years in the NFL has seen it become increasingly focused on the passing game, with teams relying on their quarterbacks to throw the ball more than ever before.
This has led to an emphasis on quarterbacks who can make quick decisions, throw accurately, and avoid turnovers. Mobile quarterbacks who can run the ball and evade defensive pressure to reduce turnovers have also become more popular, with players like Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs; the highly touted leader of the new generation of quarterbacks leading the charge. This physical capacity to bypass the pass rush and push the team towards the redzone has become a vital component in swaying the balance of games in the NFL especially in the post season where these moments can be the finest margin between defeat and victory.
Lamar Jackson has now also become the highest paid player in NFL history signing a $52 million per year contract. Further highlighting the scarcity and value of a quarterback with such a versatile and effective skillset.
Yes, the game is evolving, maybe to an even better place than it was when Brady entered the league as the 199th pick in the sixth round with the New England Patriots.
But, who would have foreseen the story that would unfold when Robert Kraft and his organisation rolled a dice that would revolutionise the sport as a whole?
I believe the NFL needs players like Tom Brady, a throwback to what made millions of people fall in love with the sport, a pillar of success, determination and hard work which isn’t easily found compared to newer players in the league with high draft stock who have everything given to them before they even begin, huge contracts, sponsors and responsibilities which Brady had to earn through pure willingness to succeed.
Not only is Tom Brady the greatest to ever play, not only did he revolutionise the sport, he was and is inspiration for ordinary people like you and I.
Some stories of greatness cannot be rewritten nor should they be.
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