QB Brady wants ‘to be seen and heard’
NEW YORK: Tom Brady reflected on his decision to leave the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, reiterating his fondness for New England but emphasising his desire for a fresh start.
“Playing for one team for 20 years has been an amazing ride and experience,” Brady wrote in a post published by The Players’ Tribune that approached 2,700 words.
“But doing the same thing year after year brings its own challenges. A familiar rhythm can be comforting and great. But it can also make you lose sight of other rhythms, newer ones that remind you of everything that hasn’t been done yet.
“Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a change, a challenge, an opportunity to lead and collaborate, and also to be seen and heard. And I know my time there will be as amazing in its own way as what came before.”
Brady spent the first 20 years of his career with the Patriots, reaching nine Super Bowls and winning six.
He became a free agent for the first time of his career last month and left for the Buccaneers, signing a twoyear, US$50 million contract to play for coach Bruce Arians and the Bucs’ talented offence.
“It will be different — that goes with the territory,” Brady wrote.
“Different coaches. Different players. Different programmes. Right now I have no idea how to get to Raymond James Stadium, or where the meeting rooms are, or where everybody sits. It will be a learning curve.”
Brady will turn 43 in August, but he doesn’t expect to be limited by his body.
“Physically, I’m as capable of doing my job as I’ve ever been. Now I want to see what more I can do,” he said.
“I want to see how great I can be.”