The primary free agency news this offseason has been the parting of ways between quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots after 20 seasons. Brady’s recent signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drew similar comparisons to Joe Montana’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs in the early 1990s.
The Hall of Fame quarterback recently spoke with USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell regarding Brady’s potential expectations heading into his first season in Tampa Bay.
“It actually brings a new excitement to you, to a certain degree.” said Montana, “Because it’s not going to be the same-ol’, same-ol’ going into the same locker room that you’ve been going into for so many years, seeing the same people over and over. He doesn’t need a fresh start, but it gives you a great feeling inside, looking forward to trying to help the team move forward. And everybody believes in him, looking forward to watching him play.”
Montana played his final two NFL seasons with the Chiefs leading Kansas City to its first division championship in 22 years. The Chiefs advanced to the AFC title game in 1993 before falling to the Buffalo Bills. He capped off his career in 1994 with another playoff appearance losing in the wild-card round.
“It’s just getting used to your new teammates,” he said. “Everybody knows what you’ve accomplished, but it’s always about, ‘What can you do for me now?’ ”
Montana famously won four Super Bowls as the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. During his 14 seasons, he was named the league’s most valuable player in back to back years and was considered the standard at the quarterback position. Brady going to Tampa Bay after unprecedented success in New England will draw many critics and possible pressure from around the league.
“No one will put more pressure on him to perform than himself,” Montana said. “That’s his makeup. Most players who have been that successful have that makeup that you can’t add pressure to him. Outside pressure, that external pressure, it slips off your back. I think the pressure comes from within, wanting to perform and show that he can make that change.”
The media circus will be all over Brady’s every move in Tampa Bay, just as they did with Montana’s trade to Kansas City. The change in culture and new expectations are going to be a significant factor for Brady’s legacy moving forward until he takes his eventual spot in the pro football hall of fame.
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