Goodbye Tom Brady you have broken my heart
jason.gibbs@thechronicle.com.au
LOYALTY is not very high on the priority list of modern athletes.
And in an industry where careers can begin and end with a phone call it’s understandable.
The reality of the modern game is the fact players come and go.
Some go in search of opportunity and greater glory.
Others leave because of the almighty dollar.
For better and for worse – money has changed the game.
As fans our hearts and minds have become hardened to the fact that sometimes our “favourites” will leave us.
But even the hardest hearts can be broken and mine was all but shattered earlier this week.
The GOAT TB12 – Tom Brady – left my New England Patriots.
After a 20-year relationships that included six Super Bowls wins, four Super Bowls MVP awards and three NFL MVP awards, Brady, a man who seemingly lived, breathed and existed only for the Patriots is gone.
And worse still he left for us the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I want to use more colourful standards but the best I can put in print right now is – loathe.
As in, I loathe you Tom Brady.
This is not how it was supposed to end.
At 42 years of age you were meant to ride into the sunset.
You were supposed to retire.
Last season was by no means our best, but it wasn’t our worst either.
You were supposed to retire – spend some time on the sideline and maybe replace old man Bill Belichick.
I would’ve even accepted you going around for another year – provided you mentored our next quarterback.
But no – you had to go and leave for Tampa Bay. Tampa
Bay.
I know you’re probably hurting a little as well.
After all, you have done so much for us, we undervalued you a little these last few seasons and you’re leaving the greatest NFL team of all time.
But surely you could’ve retired to spend more time with your kids and your super model wife.
Unfortunately, I think your ego is writing a cheque your body can’t cash.
I think Brady wants to prove himself away from the Patriots/Belichick and fair enough.
For comparison the Patriots are a bit like the Melbourne Storm.
Is it the system/coach that makes them tick or the players?
In my mind, it’s a combination of the two.
With that in mind, I see why he wants to go – he wants the chance to prove himself.
Brady should’ve considered his legacy though.
And nothing short of a “first year” Superbowl win with Tampa will enhance his legacy and I don’t see that happening.
A win for Brady, provided he doesn’t beat the Patriots, would go a little way to mending my heart – but honestly I don’t really want it to happen.