Overcoming the odds | TB12 Peak performer: Tom Brady

“YOU ARE GOING TO FACE A LOT OF ADVERSITY, AND YOU HAVE TO EMBRACE THOSE CHALLENGES, AND YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME THEM.”

Tom Brady is no stranger to overcoming the odds.

Growing up, Brady’s teammates were faster, stronger, and had superior natural physical abilities, so he decided to make up for talent with work ethic — a work ethic he credits his family with instilling in him from a young age.

At the University of Michigan, he was buried on the depth chart under seven other quarterbacks but was determined to become the starter. He worked his way up the depth chart and earned the starting job as a junior. In his senior season, he beat out a highly-touted sophomore for the starting job and lead his team to an Orange Bowl victory.

Then, he fell to the number 199 pick in the 2000 NFL draft. He again, competed for a spot on the roster, then as the backup, and eventually got his chance after starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe was injured.

Through injuries, big wins, and devastating losses, Brady has worked to keep his mind and body performing at its peak so he can do what he loves, longer.

Now, a 5x Super Bowl champion, Brady has used the adversity he has faced to fuel his commitment to being the best that he can be, on and off the field.

“TODAY, I LOOK BACK AND THINK, THANK GOD I DID IT DIFFERENTLY. THANK GOD I HAD THE COURAGE TO STEP OUTSIDE THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM. THANK GOD I FOLLOWED WHAT MY HEART, MIND, AND BODY WERE ALWAYS TELLING ME — THAT THE THINGS WE WERE WORKING ON WOULD ALLOW ME TO DO THINGS THAT I ALWAYS WANTED TO ACCOMPLISH IN MY SPORT.”
— TOM BRADY