Tom Brady

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings

Born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. grew up in a sports-oriented family. He attended Junípero Serra High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball. As a high school quarterback, Brady completed 236 of 447 passes for 3,702 yards and 31 touchdowns. His athletic prowess extended to baseball, leading to his selection by the Montreal Expos in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB Draft. However, Brady chose to pursue football, enrolling at the University of Michigan. At Michigan, he faced stiff competition but eventually secured the starting quarterback position, leading the Wolverines to an Orange Bowl victory in the 1999 season. 

NFL Career: From Underdog to Legend

In the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady was selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots. Initially serving as a backup, he became the starting quarterback in 2001 after an injury to Drew Bledsoe. Brady led the Patriots to a Super Bowl XXXVI victory that season, earning his first Super Bowl MVP award. Over the next two decades, he established himself as the cornerstone of the Patriots' dynasty, securing six Super Bowl titles with the team. In 2020, Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a Super Bowl LV victory in his first season and earning his fifth Super Bowl MVP. 

Career Achievements and Records

Throughout his 23-season career, Brady amassed numerous records:

• Super Bowl Victories: 7 (most by any player)

• Super Bowl MVP Awards: 5

• NFL MVP Awards: 3 (2007, 2010, 2017)

• Career Passing Yards: 89,214

• Career Touchdown Passes: 649

• Career Wins: 251 regular-season victories

• Pro Bowl Selections: 15

Brady also holds the record for most career playoff wins (35) and has appeared in 10 Super Bowls.

Off-Field Ventures and Personal Life

Beyond the gridiron, Brady has ventured into various business endeavors. He founded the TB12 Foundation, focusing on health and wellness, and launched a clothing brand named BRADY. In 2022, he signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to serve as their lead NFL analyst.

Brady was married to supermodel Gisele Bündchen from 2009 until their divorce in 2022. The couple has two children together, and Brady has another son from a previous relationship. 

Honors and Legacy

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, the state of Massachusetts declared June 12, 2024, as "Tom Brady Day." The New England Patriots retired his iconic No. 12 jersey and announced plans for a 12-foot-tall bronze statue outside Gillette Stadium. 

Brady's unparalleled success, longevity, and leadership have solidified his status as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His journey from a sixth-round draft pick to a seven-time Super Bowl champion serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide.