Goat Don't Stop: Tom Brady

Sports allow us to express ourselves through fandom and participation, but certain professionals often help us generate our interests in those platforms. These icons are born and we either love or hate them based on how they perform for or against our favorite team, but some names live longer than we do. Football, without a doubt, has created legend out of its chosen. You could throw out names like Terry Bradshaw, Dan Marino, Mean Joe Green, or Lawrence Taylor undoubtedly. Of course, sports have gotten faster, technology has advanced athletics beyond the level of players from before, and media is present now more than ever, but that’s still besides the point. In today’s game, one of those players whom have built up their credentials in claiming legendary status is 40 year old Tom Brady.

Over the 2017-18 regular season he has amassed 4577 yards and 32 passing touchdowns. This is typical of the 40 year old as he’s had seven 4,000 passing yards seasons and thirteen seasons where he’s attributed to 25 plus passing touchdown seasons. With the Pats, Brady has 5 Super Bowl Rings and 4 MVPs. One could say that he is already the greatest to ever hoist a football into the air, but the New England QB doesn’t show any sign of slowing down at this point. It has gotten to the point whereas Brady is only competing with himself.

No doubt, this will be one of the most anticipated dates for football of all-time, as Patriot and Eagle rivals and anti-fans watch. The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into the Super Bowl with an identical 13-3 record, a hot offense with a starring back-up quarterback in Nick Foles, and statistically the best defense in the NFL. Initially, from the looks of it, Brady and the Pats have a very tough match-up, but it seems almost oxymoronic to picture the Lombardi Trophy without New England Patriots Owner, Robert Kraft and Tom Brady holding it. Over his exploits with the Patriots, Brady has accrued a special place in many fan’s hearts: a deep hate. One can imagine that when Tom takes the field, he commands the same hate and respect that Kobe Bryant did in his career. Again, the hate of these legends are forged in the many moments of complete despair they bring to opposing teams and fans around their league, but this is not a good-bye tour.

The mamba mentality does not solely live in those who play basketball. No, it is badge of prestige awarded to players who dedicate their lives to the game, prepare for every scenario, and defy the odds within pressurized situations. Brady has multiple victories and second most comebacks than any quarterback in NFL history, but there’s a difference in him. Brady does not want to retire any time soon. He wants to play until he physically cannot and even then it would probably be tearing him up on the inside. The one question that remains is: How long can the aging General continue the excellence that he is exemplifying in this ever-growing league? Like Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady can only be slowed down by time and a body that has made so many haters, watchers, and believers.