Tag: Tom Brady

J.J. McCarthy says it would be ‘tremendous honor’ to play for Patriots

J. J. McCarthy, who has a great relationship with Tom Brady, would love to be drafted to New England

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy appeared on The Adam Schefter podcast earlier this week and discussed the possibility of playing for the New England Patriots.

McCarthy had high praise for both the organization and NFL legend Tom Brady.

Granted, the former Wolverine is carving out a solid football career in his own right. He is coming off a 2023 national championship season with Michigan and is projected to go in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. He threw for 6,226 yards and 49 touchdowns in his Michigan career, including a 22-touchdown effort last season. Now, he is looking to make a bigger impact at the next level.

Brady has served as the standard for many of the young quarterbacks, with Caleb Williams praising Brady’s longevity and organizational stability earlier this week. Getting drafted by the Patriots would mean a lot to McCarthy, and he expanded on this during the podcast.

“Tom and I have a great relationship. I asked him questions all throughout the season,” said McCarthy. “I try not to bother him too much. …Such honor and respect. …I’m always about playing for the guys that came before and the guys who built the foundation to where it is right now. Obviously being a part of the New England Patriots, that means everything. Going back to when Brady was playing and how he was doing it for Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest and Ty Law and all those guys. Being able to pay that forward would be a tremendous honor.”

McCarthy would certainly be a little bit of a switch-up in regards to names that have been connected with the Patriots at the quarterback position. Most expect the pick to either be Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.

With that being said, it seems as though members of the Patriots organization really like McCarthy. Time will tell what happens, but at this point, it would be a shock if New England were to draft the Michigan signal-caller.

Caleb Williams wants to replicate success of Patriots legend Tom Brady

Caleb Williams wants to “chase No. 12”

Former USC quarterback and projected No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft, Caleb Williams, has high aspirations with his NFL career officially slated to start on Thursday night.

Williams wants to be the next great quarterback, and he tipped his cap to a New England Patriots legend.

Williams recorded 3,633 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions last season for USC. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner tallied 10,082 passing yards, 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over the course of his collegiate career. He is projected to be taken by the Chicago Bears at the top of the draft board.

When appearing on “The Pivot Podcast”, Williams said he wanted stability and success throughout his NFL career.

“Now that I want to play in one place for 20 years and chase one guy, No. 12,” Williams said.

The career of Tom Brady may be hard to replicate. Nevertheless, it’s certainly worth it to try and replicate the standard.

Caleb Williams wants to surpass Tom Brady with the Bears

Caleb Williams isn’t on the Bears yet, but he’s got high aspirations that include surpassing the GOAT himself, Tom Brady.

We’re just days away from Caleb Williams officially joining the Chicago Bears when the 2024 NFL draft kicks off Thursday in Detroit.

Williams isn’t even on the team yet, but he’s got high aspirations that include surpassing the GOAT himself, Tom Brady.

During an appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” Williams shared a look at his phone screen background that includes motivational quotes and goals. The first? Be the first pick in the NFL draft (which is all but official at this point). the second? Win eight Super Bowls.

Why eight? Well, Brady holds the record with seven, and Williams has made it clear he’s aiming to leave a lasting impression on the game.

Williams talking championships is certainly music to Bears fans’ ears. But eight Super Bowls does seem like a lofty goal. At this point, fans would love just one considering Chicago last won a Super Bowl nearly 40 years ago. But it certainly shows that Williams won’t be satisifed with just some success; he’s going all out.

There are high expectations for Williams, who’s been hailed by some as the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. While the Bears are infamously known for their quarterback woes, Williams certainly appears poised to break that curse.

It’s not only a talent thing, it’s also a situational thing. General manager Ryan Poles has done a great job building an ideal environment for an incoming quarterback — the best perhaps for a No. 1 rookie quarterback ever.

Follow The Bears Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

A.J. Brown really had to explain he wasn’t getting traded to the Patriots after using a Tom Brady profile picture

A.J. Brown couldn’t believe he had to explain why he used a Tom Brady profile picture.

Even after a disappointing 2023 Philadelphia Eagles season, A.J. Brown remains one of the NFL’s top receivers. From stretching defenses to getting yards after the catch on short passes, there is nothing this No. 1 playmaker can’t do — he even keeps receipts!

Brown showcased this by changing his Twitter profile picture to a photo of an excited Tom Brady during the 2015 New England Patriots season. Brown did this, thinking it would be a harmless gesture about a competitive mindset and where his head is in relation to any Eagles disrespect he’s seen this offseason.

Alas, dearest readers, he was so, so wrong.

As we all know, when you are a superstar professional athlete on any public platform, everyone on the internet speculates and talks about your every slight move almost to the point of obsession. (Well, sometimes on the obsession thought.) Unfortunately, this may as well be an unwritten “rule” in the clause of their contracts. So when Brown unveiled the Brady profile picture, fans online immediately thought this meant a shocking trade to the Patriots was underway.

How could they not? It’s the internet! If you can’t recklessly speculate and huff and puff online about a situation entirely out of your control, where can you?

We live in a society, people!

The Eagles’ star playmaker quickly quelled these concerns, maintaining that Brady was merely his favorite player growing up and that he was just trying to put himself in the mindset of a great player he felt was also doubted. At the same time, Brown noted that he couldn’t believe he actually had to explain that his social media appearance meant nothing about his Philadelphia future:

A good reminder here, everyone: Just because one of your favorite players did something “controversial” on social media, it does not mean the worst-case scenario is happening. Sometimes (most of the time?), it literally is what it is at face value.

Tom Brady wrote a glowing tribute to A’ja Wilson after she was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people

Tom Brady wrote an otherworldly tribute to celebrate A’ja Wilson’s greatness that will give you goosebumps.

A’js Wilson has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people for 2024. To celebrate the occasion, Future Hall of Famer and Las Vegas Aces minority owner Tom Brady wrote her a glowing tribute.

A’ja Wilson is greatness personified. At just 27 years old, Wilson has accomplished more than most people can dream of, including cementing herself as one of the WNBA legends that future generations will speak about. In a list revealed by Time Magazine Wednesday, Wilson was fittingly listed on the Time 100 in the “Titans” section as one of the most influential people on the planet.

So, it’s not surprising that another sports legend — Tom Brady — wrote a tribute to A’ja to honor her incredible journey. Here’s some of the fantastic words that Brady shared about her:

“A’ja Wilson is not just an incredible athlete, she is also an inspiration to all who witness her talent and drive. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and fearlessness in achieving greatness.

A’ja possesses a unique combination of natural skill and unwavering determination. This rare blend has propelled her to achieve remarkable feats in her career. With two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces, three WNBA MVP awards, an NCAA title at the University of South Carolina, and even an Olympic gold medal, A’ja is undeniably a generational talent.”

Furthermore, a recognition of this magnitude was so on-brand for Wilson that it found its way back to an additional legend: Dawn Staley.

A’ja Wilson has won all accolades in the W and still doesn’t have a signature shoe

Aces star A’ja Wilson was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list and received a touching tribute from Tom Brady.

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list and received a touching tribute from minority owner and seven-time NFL champion Tom Brady.

“A’ja Wilson is not just an incredible athlete, she is also an inspiration to all who witness her talent and drive,” Brady wrote. “Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and fearlessness in achieving greatness.”

Wilson is making waves and setting records in the WNBA, just like she did in college. She is a back-to-back champion with the Aces, has three MVP awards, an NCAA title at South Carolina and an Olympic gold medal.

She recently penned a book entitled “Dear Black Girls,” which hit the New York Times Bestseller list. Yet, this dominating force, both on and off the court, does not yet have a signature shoe. The signature shoe deals in the W are few and far between, but if anyone deserves a shoe, it’s Wilson.

The WNBA is entering its 28th season, which means, on average, there have been .44 shoe deals per season. If another shoe deal isn’t done this season, that number will go even lower. While the number has been rapidly picking up with three new deals in the past few seasons, shoe deals are not keeping pace with the growth of the WNBA.

Brady said it best: “A’ja Wilson is not just a champion; she is a symbol of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Her story is a reminder that with passion and fearlessness, anyone can achieve greatness. I know she has so much more she wants to achieve … and I get to be in a front-row seat watching and admiring!”

Hopefully, Brady will be watching Wilson in her brand-new signature shoe very soon. The Aces’ first game of the season is on May 14 against the Phoenix Mercury.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262608]

Tom Brady said it’s possible he could unretire if the right situation opens up

Could Tom Brady actually unretire if the right situation opened up in the NFL?

Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady cracked the door ever so slightly this week on a possible return to the league in the right situation.

While appearing on DeepCut with VicBlends, Brady answered the question everyone has since he officially retired from the NFL last year.

If a starting quarterback on a playoff team got hurt and that franchise reached out to Brady, would he take the opportunity? According to the future Hall of Famer, he’s not opposed to it.

Even though Brady is in the process of becoming a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and has a broadcasting deal with Fox Sports, it’s still possible he could make a return to the field in the perfect circumstance.

Brady even namechecks the Raiders and, oh yes, the New England Patriots, as hypothetical teams in this scenario.

“To come in for a little bit like [Michael Jordan] coming back, I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” Brady shared.

The big holdup would be that Raiders minority ownership stake if he’s ultimately approved, which were guessing would be a substantial hurdle for Brady to clear with the NFL and the Raiders.

However, until that happens, Brady is technically free to sign wherever he pleases despite not playing in 2023. We’ll see if that day ever comes where Brady is throwing passes in the NFL again, even if the chances are slim.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1371]

Former Patriots QB Tom Brady not ruling out late-season return to NFL

Tom Brady admits the right situation could potentially lure him out of retirement

Tom Brady announced his second retirement from football over a year ago, and even after missing the entire 2023 season, the greatest quarterback in NFL history still isn’t completely closing the door on a possible return.

When appearing on the “DeepCut Podcast,” Brady admitted he wouldn’t be opposed to an NFL return under the right circumstances.

Those circumstances would likely be a talented team in playoff contention late in the season, if a starting quarterback goes down with an injury. Brady specifically mentioned the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders.

The legendary former NFL star played with the Patriots for nearly two decades, and he’s on his way to joining ownership with the Raiders.

“Patriots. Could be Raiders. You never know,” said Brady. “…I’m not opposed to it. I don’t know if they’re going to let me if I become an owner in an NFL team. I’m always going to be in good shape. I’m always going to be able to throw the ball. So to come in for a little bit like MJ coming back, I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

Brady could simply be having fun with seeing the kind of speculation this answer creates, or he could legitimately be considering a return under the right circumstances.

The 2024 season hasn’t even started yet, and the drama is already building.

Tom Brady still won’t shut the door on potential NFL comeback

Even after a full year away from the game, Tom Brady is still leaving the door open for a potential return to the NFL

He did it once, and he can do it again.

Tom Brady already had one brief retirement a couple of years back, but his latest departure from the NFL game has actually felt permanent, as he spent the entire 2023 season away from the game.

But it looks like the GOAT still won’t emphatically shut the door on a potential comeback down the road.

On a recent episode of “Deep Cut,” Brady was asked about his willingness to make another comeback under the right circumstances, and he didn’t shoot down the idea, except to note it might not be possible if he becomes a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders:

Of course, this still seems far-fetched, but considering how well Brady was playing the last time we saw him on the field, it’s never truly impossible. He was still throwing for 4,000 yards and lighting up NFL defenses in his mid-40s, so if anyone could jump right back on the field and win another Super Bowl, it’s Brady.

[lawrence-related id=86301]

Broncos Wire podcast: Discussing wild QB options and top needs in the NFL draft

On the latest Broncos Wire podcast, Ryan O’Leary and Jon Heath list several wild QB options and then discuss Denver’s biggest draft needs.

The 2024 NFL draft is now just two weeks away, and it’s time for a new episode of the Broncos Wire podcast.

On this week’s episode, I joined Broncos Wire host Ryan O’Leary to discuss wild quarterback options and the team’s biggest draft needs (among other topics). You can listen to episode No. 107 below:

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Check out our notes from this week’s podcast below. 

Dak Prescott? 
  • The Cowboys aren’t giving Dak Prescott an extension, so he’s set to become a free agent in 2025. Should the Broncos go all in to sign him next year? Or trade for him now?
Even more wild QB options 
  • The Broncos passed on (or failed to sign) the veteran QBs that were available during free agency. A few weeks ago, Sean Payton said: “There are still a few possibilities relative to guys who are currently in this league or have played in this league” (emphasis added).
  • Realistically, Payton is probably talking about somebody boring like Ryan Tannehill. It wouldn’t be shocking if Denver adds a veteran after the draft.
NFL draft needs
  • QB: Obvious.
  • CB: Top prospect, or Riley Moss steps up, or sign vet after draft.
  • OLB: Need an elite pass rusher (Baron Browning oft-injured, Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper are more rotational types)
  • DL: Zach Allen/D.J. Jones/Malcolm Roach are good starting trio, but not much depth behind them.
  • ILB: Alex Singleton and Cody Barton are short-term answers. Jonas Griffith has potential. Denver needs an athletic long-term option.
  • OT: Really depends on if Garett Bolles is getting an extension.
  • TE: Doesn’t need to be a high priority, but depth is needed behind Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich and Lucas Krull.
  • WR: Not a pressing need, but Courtland Sutton has 2 years on contract, Tim Patrick has one year left on deal and Josh Reynolds is 29.
  • RB: Again, not an immediate need, but Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine will become free agents in 2025.
New NFL rules 

Ryan and I will return next week with a final mock draft.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can check out previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your podcast service of choice. Please consider giving the podcast a positive rating and review!

You can listen to every past episode below or at this link.

[vertical-gallery id=620142]