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Revision as of 05:27, 21 August 2004
Tom Brady (born August 3, 1977) is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots NFL franchise.
Born in San Mateo, California, Brady played college football for University of Michigan and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 6th round (199th overall).
He was the backup to the Patriots' quaterback, Drew Bledsoe. On September 23, 2001, the Patriots were playing against their AFC East division rivals, New York Jets at Foxboro Stadium. During that game, Drew Bledsoe suffered internal bleeding after colliding with Jets linebacker, Mo Lewis. New England not only lost the game but Bledsoe, too. Soon after Brady was named the starting quarterback, he led the Patriots to a 11-5 winning record and into the playoffs.
During a 2002 divisional playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, Tom Brady had been ruled as having fumbled on a pass attempt, with Oakland protecting a three-point lead. Invoking the "tuck rule", where a ball is ruled an incomplete pass after the quarterback starts any forward throwing motion, the referee overturned the decision after reviewing the instant replay, calling the drop an incomplete pass rather than a fumble. The Patriots would eventually tie the game and win it in overtime. After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots were not favored to win (based on betting odds) against the NFC champion St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. The Patriots won the Super Bowl and Brady was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXVI, after leading the Patriots on a game-winning drive with less than two minutes left in the game.
Interestingly enough, this was the first year in which fans could influence the vote for the Super Bowl MVP. By garnering 29.02% of the online vote, which was 0.28% ahead of second place, Brady was awarded all 4 'fan votes.' These 4 votes were enough to push Brady's MVP vote total ahead of the official panel's choice: Patriot cornerback Ty Law, who had scored on a 48-yard interception return, and had nullified the NFL's most feared offence.
People Magazine listed Tom Brady as one of the 2002 Most Beautiful People.
In the 2003 NFL season, after a 2-2 start, Brady led the Patriots to 12 consecutive victories to finish the historical season and win the AFC East division championship. On February 1, 2004, Brady led the Patriots to victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, being named Super Bowl MVP for the second time. With 1:08 left in the fourth quarter and the score tied at 29, Brady engineered a clutch drive, which is becoming one of his trademarks, to put the Patriots in position for a Vinatieri field goal, which won the game for the Pats.
On January 26, 2004, Tom Brady attended the annual State of the Union Address as a guest of President Bush. Brady declined to discuss his political views with the media. According to The Smoking Gun as of 2004, Tom Brady is a registered voter, but has not voted in any political election so far. He is currently dating Bridget Moynahan.
Professional skills
Brady's style of play is most noted for his ability to make quick, effective decisions, especially in clutch situations, and throwing short, accurate passes throughout the game to minimize interception and fumbling. He is not considered to have great running speed or arm strength, but he compensates with his poise, leadership, and aplomb in the clutch.
External links
- ESPN.com Tom Brady Profile
- The Smoking Gun's Super Bowl QB Tom Brady's No Patriot
- St. Petersburg Times article on Brady's first Super Bowl MVP