Brady’s former teammates react to his departure from Patriots
Tom Brady dropped the bombshell early Tuesday on social media, announcing he was moving on from the Patriots.
It was surprising to some, not so much to others. Storybook endings are rare in the NFL. There won’t be one for Brady, the greatest quarterback of all time, in New England.
It’s one of the biggest sports stories ever; Brady leaving after two decades of unmatched excellence, winning six Super Bowls.
Former teammate Damien Woody, now an ESPN analyst, remarked of Brady: “I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like that again.”
The Herald collected a variety of reactions to Brady’s news from former Patriots and others in the NFL community. Several current Patriots politely opted not to comment when reached Tuesday, preferring not to take any attention away from their former quarterback.
Former Patriot and NBC analyst Rodney Harrison
“I knew it was that time. I knew Bill didn’t want him. You never let a contract get to that situation if he really wanted the guy. So it didn’t surprise me. A big part of it, too, (is) when you become a free agent, you get a chance to see how people think about you, what they think about you . . . .
“Tom wants to accomplish something without Bill, and do something different. It’s another challenge, and Tom is always looking for the next challenge. As for his legacy in New England, I think it’s one of most inspiring, one of the most incredible stories that I’ve ever seen and watched . . . . I think his legacy is his legacy. Even if he goes and stinks (elsewhere), people are still going to recognize Tom as the greatest of all time.”
Former Patriot and ESPN analyst Damien Woody
“Brady’s an institution in the New England area. I’ve been saying all through the season, I thought this would be Brady’s last year. And even now, it’s still like, ‘Wow. I can’t believe this is happening.’ But I’ll say this: I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like that again.
“Sometimes it takes when people leave, I don’t think people really appreciate the type of run the Patriots had for 20 years. In the era of free agency, we haven’t seen a team dominate like this. I don’y think a lot of Patriots fans, particularly the younger ones, have ever seen the Patriots being bad. Hopefully they have an appreciation for the excellence the organization has shown for 20 years.”
Former Patriot Heath Evans
“I would say he’s 50% responsible for all the greatness to come out of New England. If you take him out of that equation, not only are those rings not there, but those experiences aren’t there . . . . And the one thing I’ll always say about Brady, and the thing I love most about him, he’s the most humble superstar I’ve ever been around.
“I always believed that he really loved me, and he always showed me that. And, I think that’s the greatest compliment he can be given, despite all the Super Bowl appearances and everything else. He had every reason to be arrogant, and every reason to think he hung the moon, and yet, he lived the complete opposite.”
Former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis from SiriusXM NFL radio
“Trying not to be emotional about this one. I felt that Tommy would finish up in New England. That’s what I thought he would do. I knew that he’d get offers for more money from other places. And I knew the dollar figures would be significant, probably $10 million a year different, at least. So I knew they’d be significant. But at the end of the day, for both the Patriots and for Tommy, I was hoping it ended up that way (Brady finishing his career in New England).
“But I have to tell you I’m a little stunned.”
Former teammate Willie McGinest on NFL Network
“I was surprised and a bit wowed like everybody else. But it’s business and I’ve seen it before. I’ve dealt with it myself personally in New England; a lot of other veterans and high-profile guys that played in the area have also played in other markets and left New England. I just thought that there would be an opportunity for Tom to finish his career there.
“I knew there were possibilities elsewhere for him to go, but Tom is one of those guys that is going to take his time. He’s calculated. He’s going to make good decisions, he’s going to do what’s best for him and obviously the conversations weren’t going the way they needed to be . . . . I will say he’s deserved the right to venture out. He’s given his all to New England, to the organization, to the coaching staff, to all of the players. He’s been nothing but a professional.
“And I’m happy for the new adventure for him and his family and everybody around him.”
Hall of Famer Kurt Warner on NFL Network
“I’m surprised. I felt until I got the news this morning like everyone else that he would be back in New England. I just felt it was the best fit for him to continue to compete for championships. We know that is what Tom Brady is all about.
“But having said that, I played in a couple of different places throughout my career, and one of the most exciting things and things
I’m most proud of in my career is the ability to be a part of a couple of different organizations and change the perception of those organizations; take them to a place —even though in Arizona we didn’t win a championship — taking them to a championship-type level and the type of achievement that was and to be a part of that was something truly unique and truly special.
“Not many quarterbacks have done that throughout their career, so it doesn’t surprise me. The competitor that Tom Brady is, all that he has accomplished in New England, that he does want to take a shot with another organization. He does want to show and have that type of impact somewhere else beyond New England.”
Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre from SiriusXM NFL Radio
“When I heard the news I didn’t get chill bumps, but I almost did. I could feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up because this is a shocker to a lot of people. The things that he has done in New England and what he has meant to that — not just the team, but the fan base — goes without saying. I mean, the best that’s ever played.
“And the good thing is that he has the ability to make any decision he chooses whether he wants to play or doesn’t want to play, whether it be in New England or somewhere else. He deserves that. Just a class act. Just a tremendous football player and leader.”