Tuesday, February 7, 2023

What Coach Belichick Did Not Do...According to Tom Brady

I highly doubt that Tom Brady invented the term "Let's Go!" No doubt it has become his trademark. In light of his accomplishments for 23 years in the NFL—leading teams at quarterback to seven Super Bowl titles—I would argue most fans are okay with giving him credit for it. He has not yelled those words in vain. 
Today, "Let's Go" serves as the title of a podcast he hosts with Larry Fitzgerald and Tom Gray.
As written on Apple Podcasts, listeners are invited to "enjoy in-depth, insightful, and introspective one-on-one conversations with each of these future HOF football players. They'll discuss trending stories from on and off the football field and share stories from their personal life."

The February 6, 2023 episode featured Tom Brady - with Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning, Rob Gronkowski, Mr. and Mrs. Brady, Oprah, and More.
The conversation between TB12 and his coach of 20 years, Bill Belichick created a whole lot of buzz on sports talk radio this morning. While it provided good insight into the relationship between coach and athlete, it left me with a question for consideration.

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports writes, 
Their most recent interview, however, was different in that Brady gave in to his emotions. Brady choked up when he was asked what Belichick did to help him become the best version of himself. 

"I think it's more what did he not do," Brady said while fighting back tears. 
When I first heard Tom Terrific's response, I rolled my eyes. I thought to myself, Is this similar to Michelangelo's claim about one of art's greatest pieces: David?  Michelangelo said "The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” I wondered, Is Belichick the artist and Brady the art? 
But as I listened, I reconsidered his claim. For example, Brady said "Coach couldn’t play quarterback, and I couldn’t coach. I think the best part about football is — coach says it a lot — do your job. And he asked me to play quarterback. He didn’t ask me to coach. I didn’t want him playing quarterback. I just wanted him to coach.…"

I started to think about what Belichick did and what he did not do.

For every action there is a reaction. It's worth considering the times and ways that not taking  action IS an action. Coaches ought to consider what is it that they do and what do they not do? And how does each side of the coin contribute to an entity's value? 

As Tom Brady continues to reflect upon his career and the coaches, teammates, family members, friends and fans, it's worth listening to the life lessons he has to offer. The man was the 199th pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. He redshirted and then played backup QB in his first two years at Michigan. He has gone on to play in 10 Super Bowls and has one ring for each day of the week. I'd like to personally thank him for being someone close to my age who has remained involved in pro sports—till now! A retirement well deserved...if it happens?!

There is much to learn about his path to excellence and the partnerships he built along the way. Sometimes, we just need to think about the road we take and the one(s) we do not.

Photo Credits
Tom and Bill
Podcast

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