The Brady 6
I have a confession to make - I haven't been counting down the days to Football this year. This is probably the first year I've done that since Carr retired. If anything, I feel at peace; we're in good hands with Jim - whatever happens, he will have extracted every ounce of potential from each man who touches the football this year. That, and as I've gotten older, I've been able to contain my emotions a little better and also work in the realization that the game outcomes aren't really something I have any control over (duh, but we do get pretty into this stuff - don't we? It's fun).
This weekend though, I rewatched my favorite Michigan documentary about my favorite former Michigan player - Tom Brady.
Here's a link to the documentary in the event there are people here that still haven't seen it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHJMfF-3FD0
I get emotional every time I hear Tom's speech at the end, because I know in my life there have been times where I needed to overcome rejection/self doubt and redouble my efforts, proving people wrong - to do this, I draw on the strength I developed at MIchigan. This is the true sprit of Michigan - love for the school, what it stands for, and competing to be the best. At times, it's a struggle. Tom will always be remembered as a Michigan Man who embraced that struggle, and had tremendous success in the face of internal and external adversity. I don't know the guy personally, but he's certainly a role model in my life for what one person can achieve.
Sorry if this got a little heavy, this was just my Monday morning proclamation that I'm now absolutely jacked for the season to start. Let's go prove some people wrong, let's beat the hell out of our rivals. It's time.
Let's Go Blue
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:25 AM ^
What's funny is that my knee-jerk reaction to your post was to say something snarky but then I re-read it and realized I completely agree with just about every word you wrote and candidly feel the same way about Michigan football in general as well as this year's team.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:33 AM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:37 AM ^
All good dude. If there's a place where everyone understands you, it's here.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:46 AM ^
"But do let me reiterate the spirit of Michigan. It is based upon a deathless loyalty to Michigan and all her ways; an enthusiasm that makes it second nature for Michigan men to spread the gospel of their university to the world's distant outposts; a conviction that nowhere is there a better university, in any way, than this Michigan of ours."
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August 22nd, 2016 at 11:00 AM ^
Lots of pride and excitement.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:46 AM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:57 AM ^
I don't think even Tom knew what he was capable of becoming. But he believed in himself and put the work in and the rest took care of itself. These are the stories that make athletics what they are supposed to be....inspiring.
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:07 AM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:47 AM ^
I go back and read the Jan 2012 SI article about Brady (yes, I know, an article written by a reporter not highly regarded here) in what sounds like the same way you rewatch this video. So, I'm with you. Brady has at least two very key character traits/values, humility and fortitude, which I think were molded by his time at Michigan.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:58 AM ^
Both Brady and Woodson contemplated leaving at some time in their careers. Once they fully bought into the team there was no looking back. I'm obscenely proud of both of them and their flat-out desire to be the best.
August 22nd, 2016 at 10:59 AM ^
me of the best thing Brian has ever written, and that is "Do I love Michigan because of the way I am, or am I the way I am because I love Michigan?"
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:01 AM ^
Totally agree about your second to last paragraph. That's the same reason I watch the Brady 6. I feel the same reason about Michigan.
I grew up a Sparty, but I learned hard lessons and a lot about myself at Michigan. It's that reason I love Michigan. Sport successes come and go, but I love the environment it fostered that enabled me to come into my own.
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:08 AM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:37 AM ^
Love the speech he gave to the team. Was fun watching him talk about his experience at the Signing Day showcase, but rather would have seen him in SF that week. So happy that I have had the chance to drive 20 minutes to Foxboro to watch him practice his craft. You should see the 6 story photos of him and Gisele at the new UA store on Boylston St. Guessing that he makes an appearance at some point during his 4 week vacation curtosy of Pig Vomit Roger. Little workout with Harbaugh at Glick.
August 22nd, 2016 at 11:38 AM ^
me feel good, re-energized, and invigorated. Thanks man
August 22nd, 2016 at 12:29 PM ^
I just re-watched the '99 Purdue game during Lloyd's 2 qb system. Brady in the first, Henson in the second then decide at half time who would go back for the rest of the game. Maybe it's hindsight but I thought Brady was our best chance to win even then. Then watching the doc on Brady I recall Mariucci said why would anyone think Brady was worth an earlier round when his own coach doubted him. Did Carr kinda of screw over Brady his last year vis a vis his poor draft spot?
August 22nd, 2016 at 5:53 PM ^
That being said, Henson WAS pretty good. And Brady has said several times that battling it out with Henson like that taught him what he needed to win the job away from Bledsoe in NE.
Lloyd would probably look better if Henson hadn't been a meathead and thrown his pro football career away for minor league baseball. If Henson had gone on to be a #1 draft pick it would be a little more obvious why he played even when we had Tom Freakin Brady.
August 22nd, 2016 at 12:38 PM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 12:40 PM ^
August 22nd, 2016 at 1:10 PM ^
I had never seen this before. Wow. That is awesome.
Go Blue!
August 22nd, 2016 at 1:19 PM ^
Well said and put. The fact that both of us can name and rattle off those 6 guys says a lot. No doubt both his time here competing w not just Drew #7 but Brian #14, Dreis #12,etc made him better. Was a big, big deal having him here for SOS and do not underestimate the role and relationship he has w JH. Lots of mutual respect and admiration. VERY important to me that TB #12 gets to see what I have everyday for almost 15 yrs- people love him here and after he did not have the easiet career here at UM, this was a huge step. GO BLUE!
August 22nd, 2016 at 3:14 PM ^
but I am counting every friggin second until this season starts. I can't wait for it to kick off! It's our year to destroy people and I want the bloodletting to start! :)
August 23rd, 2016 at 9:18 AM ^