In a unique and invaluable opportunity, a select group of NFL rookies, led by Chicago Bears’ #1 draft pick Caleb Williams, received advice from none other than seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
However, the counsel they received wasn’t sugar-coated.
Joining Williams were some of the NFL’s top quarterback prospects, including the New England Patriots’ Drake Maye, Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy, Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, as well as Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos.
Others included Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers.
To Brady’s credit, he wasn’t there to coddle the young stars and pump them up the way some people do.
Instead, he shared valuable wisdom and let them know that there are absolutely no short-cuts if you truly want to be great.
“The biggest problem I see with a lot of young players today: you guys are making it too much about ‘I’ and ‘me’ because of social media and branding and all that,” Brady told the group.
“It’s fine. You’re not gonna win. There’s a difference between being a star and a champion.
“Every day of practice is important. And you know why? Because when I was on the Patriots and we had 20 years of winning, every day was a big day … I treated a preseason game, I treated a regular season game, like it was a Super Bowl. So, when I got to the Super Bowl, it was just another day for me.”
Brady emphasized the importance of preparation, dedication, and hard work – qualities that he will continue to exhibit in his new role as FOX Sports’ lead NFL analyst this coming season.
Brady reflected on the meeting and let it be known how much he values the opportunity to help the next generation of players.
“We talked about life and a little football … I’ll always cherish the opportunity to talk to these young men who are about to start a monumental chapter of their lives,” Brady posted on Instagram.
This enlightening breakfast was organized by Michael Rubin, the influential owner of Fanatics, also known for his annual “White Party.”
Rubin added another layer of star power by inviting rapper and businessman Jay-Z to offer his own brand of wisdom to the future NFL stars.
“Breakfast with Jay and Tom > $500k,” Rubin posted on social media.
Despite the inspirational morning, not everything is peachy in Rubin’s world.
Fanatics is reportedly taking legal action against Arizona Cardinals’ first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. over an alleged breach of his $1 million contract.
We’ll see which players end up taking Brady’s advice to heart.
Of course, critics of Brady’s messaging point to the fact that he’s seemingly everywhere these days and pumps up his own brand every chance he gets.
However, back in his playing days – especially in New England – Brady was well-known to turn down numerous marketing opportunities to instead focus on football 24/7.
As he told the young hopefuls, if you truly want to be great, there is no room for selfishness.
What are your thoughts on Brady’s messaging?
In the bigger picture, do you think social media has done more to help or hurt the current generation of players?
As for Brady, do you think he will be closer to Troy Aikman or Jason Witten as a broadcaster???