rob f

November 14th, 2015 at 8:41 AM ^

Ultimate Competitor. Vince Lombardi would have loved him with his "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" philosophy. Brady and Lombardi would have been the perfect fit for each other.

Joined: 11/11/2010

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treetown

November 14th, 2015 at 10:35 AM ^

Lombardi's quote has two versions. There is the version that is well known and there is the version according to James Michener (Sports in America) that it is actually "Winning isn't everything, the win to win is the only thing".

In either case it applies to Brady, particularly the other version - you can't fault his effort.

Joined: 11/10/2010

MGoPoints: 6339

UMForLife

November 14th, 2015 at 8:41 AM ^

At this point in his life, the only thing he wants is the fifth superbowl. I am sure he would do whatever it takes to win the next one. Good for him. Goes to show what a great competitor he is and has the acumen to look at the big picture. Love Tom Brady! The Greatest QB of all Time!

Joined: 11/04/2013

MGoPoints: 63393

ilah17

November 14th, 2015 at 8:43 AM ^

I remember hearing about this when it happened. I hope the Pats use that money wisely. It generally seems like they think Tom can do it all on his own and doesn't need a strong supporting cast, probably because he usually finds a way to win. Here's hoping Tom plays as long as he wants and then goes into coaching!



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Joined: 12/15/2011

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sj

November 14th, 2015 at 10:17 AM ^

He probably gets more from marketing than from his contract. His marketing is worth more if the team wins, if he stays in a wealthy and large market, if he seems like a team-player and not a mercenary, etc.

This will be especially true in 20 years when the glow is gone, but Boston still knows  he's the greatest sports figure they've ever had. 

I'm a little surprised more players don't realize this. When Johnny Damon went from the Red Sox to the Yankees, he gave up what would have been 40 years of goodwill, local ad revenue, and free beer in Massachusetts in favor of an extra year on his contract. 

Joined: 05/31/2013

MGoPoints: 746

vablue

November 14th, 2015 at 10:53 AM ^

Football players make relatively little money in endorsements, Peyton's Manning being a rare exception. And outside of Jordan, most athletes don't get endorsements that last long in retirement.

Joined: 11/28/2011

MGoPoints: 6157

samsoccer7

November 14th, 2015 at 10:11 AM ^

Don't forget that Kraft loves the guy. Brady is going to get one of those long "marketing" type contracts with the Patriots for the rest of his life like Brett Favre got (I think) and some other legends. My guess is Kraft will pony up some more at that time to make up for lost salary now. Maybe not all of it but some of it.

Joined: 07/08/2008

MGoPoints: 11865

treetown

November 14th, 2015 at 10:30 AM ^

He can afford to take the very long broad view.

Due to his success, telegenic looks and carefully crafted public persona he does very well from his endorsement deals so the money is there - just coming from another source. So it is more important to him to win another Super Bowl and/or be considered one of the top QBs than some extra money. Like anything it takes work, effort and planning.

For other players who may be at the top of their games (e.g. Marshawn Lynch, Darrell Revis - I know these are not perhaps the very top at this exact moment but these are relatively well known people) in a few years, they won't be remembered except by die hard fans; certainly not be any major national endorsement underwriters. So it makes sense for them to go for the bucks and cash out.

For up and coming players it is hard to know who can make that leap - Aaron Rodgers seems to have done it, Peyton Manning certain has, but any other QBs? Drew Brees? And they are in the highest profile position

 

Joined: 11/10/2010

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Goose1724

November 14th, 2015 at 11:11 AM ^

Regardless of endorsements, Kraft love, or wife's money, he is middle of the pack QB pay wise and could easily demand the highest salary in the league. He values winning on the field more than winning the salary game. Unselfishness and the TEAM TEAM TEAM are his greatest character traits.

Joined: 10/28/2014

MGoPoints: 1647

B Mo Glue

November 14th, 2015 at 12:51 PM ^

I have absolutely no problem with people playing for money. Brady makes more of endorsements than his contract, so for him this salary hit is small. Furthermore, he's part of an amazing organization who knows how to use this cap space.

Would YOU gamble millions of dollars and your health on, say, the Lions organization? Why should someone sacrifice their well-being and financial security to give an incompetent GM a chance to bring glory to an owner? I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

Athletes can and SHOULD maximize the money they make in the time they have. This is particularly true in the NFL where contracts are not guaranteed and the long term negative effects on health are disastarous. 

Joined: 03/26/2014

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