‘Tom versus Time’ will make you cheer for Brady to keep going ... Gronk takes a step in the right direction ... Jordan does solid for 108-year-old World War II vet and Saints fan
Tom Brady wisely opened the door to his private life — if only just a crack — with the first of a five-part docu-series on Facebook Watch that had 7.1 million views in its first two days.
He politely closed it again when reporters asked him why at Saturday afternoon’s newsconference.
“We’ll stick to football this week,” the New England Patriots superstar quarterback said of podium questions with a smile and a “thank you.”
The reason should be obvious. Despite the way it sometimes looks, the run of dominance by Brady and the Pats that includes three Super Bowl wins in the last four years hasn’t been easy. Brady wanted to drop that reminder to people, especially those who roll their eyes and sigh “not again” when New England wins another AFC championship game. Mission accomplished. In “Tom versus Time”, the 40-year old surely won over even more fans by letting the cameras into his home and not only showing interaction with his kids and wife, but also samplings of what he does to get himself ready for a season.
“If you’re going to compete against me you better be willing to give up your life, because I’m giving up mine,” says Brady, who later adds: “There’s a warrior spirit about me. I’m always in competition with myself.”
Towards the end of the almost 16-minute long debut episode titled “The Physical Game,” Brady addresses the subject of Father Time.
“When I see myself out there, I feel like, man, I still do this, and I do this better than I’ve ever done it,” he says, “So why should I stop?”
The remaining chapters will be released throughout the week and should, as advertised, serve as great appetizers leading up next Sunday’s Super Bowl game.
If they’re anything like the first one, they should also convince you that Brady will follow through with his plan to play into his mid-40s — and the Patriots will continue to be at least semi-regular participants as he does. GRONK SIGHTING Patriots TE Rob
Gronkowski was on the field for Saturday’s practice, adding fuel to optimism he’ll be ready to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Still not cleared from concussion protocol, Gronkowski would have surely been absent if he’s suffering from any symptoms. “It’s always great to have him out there,” said Brady. “He’s a great player, great person, great teammate and a big part of what we do. It obviously hurts when he’s not out there, for a lot of reasons. But he’s doing the best he can do, and we’re all hopeful.” ... Jaguars S
Barry Church has been fined a nice, round $24,309 for the high hit that sidelined Gronk. IN OTHER WORDS
At this point, Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has set up approximately 400 prop bets for the Super Bowl. How about this one: The total number of points scored in the first quarter against the total number of gold medals won by the U.S. team at the Olympics later this month. Easy? Not really. At the Sochi Games in 2014, the Americans took home nine golds. In the Brady-Belichick era, the Pats have not scored a single point in the first quarter of a Super Bowl game ... The Eagles success will depend greatly on their ability to pressure the quarterback and, as such, Brady expressed much respect for Fletcher Cox and the rest of the line. “They’ve got a great defence, as good as we’ve faced all year, and the D-line is I think better than any we’ve faced all year,” he said, “Fletcher Cox is an incredible player, but they’re all really talented, they all play well together.” ... When it was pointed out to Brady that many of the other players in next Sunday’s game were kids when he was winning his first Super Bowl (2002), he sounded like one himself. “I think coach does a great job of getting the guys ready,” Brady said. “I feel like one of them. It’s exciting for me too. I’ve never taken anything like this for granted. I think we’re all very fortunate to be in this game.” ELSEWHERE
The giveaway of the day nod goes to New Orleans Saints DE Cam Jordan, who passed along a pair of Super Bowl tickets to Larry Brooks — and no, not the New York Post hockey columnist. This would be Mr. Lawrence
Brooks, a World War II veteran and big Saints fan who was born on Sept. 12, 1909, which makes him 108 years old. “I just thought I’d say thank you for everything you do, your military service back in your younger days,” Jordan told Brooks via FaceTime, reported WGNOTV. “I appreciate everything you do.” Replied Brooks: “I appreciate everything you’re doing, too.” Jordan is the Saints nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, so it certainly wasn’t an uncharacteristic gesture ... Entering the final season of a four-year contract that is paying him $40 million, Seahawks S Earl Thomas told reporters at the Pro Bowl he wants to finish he career in Seattle but also hinted he might hold out if he doesn’t get an extension. “I think if they want me, you know, money talks,” said Thomas. This is the same guy who was caught on cameras chasing Cowboys coach
Jason Garrett after a 21-12 win over Dallas and saying, “If y’all go the chance to come get me, come get me.”