Tom Brady has cemented himself as one of the greatest players in NFL history based on his impressive list of football accomplishments over two decades in the league. While he has gained recognition outside of sports through his fame and business ventures, Brady’s legacy will always be defined first and foremost by what he achieved on the gridiron for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Let’s take a deeper look at Brady’s career evolution through his major milestones and defining moments within the world of football.
Early Career Success with the Patriots (2000-2004)
Brady began his NFL journey as a 6th round pick by the New England Patriots in 2000, already facing an uphill battle to even make the roster. However, he took advantage of his opportunity when Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury in 2001. Brady was thrust into the starting role and led the underdog Patriots to an improbable Super Bowl XXXVI victory over the St. Louis Rams. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, marking an incredible rise from late-round draft pick to championship hero in just his second season.
Brady solidified himself as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2002. He continued building on his early success, earning his first Pro Bowl selection that year after throwing for over 3,700 yards and 28 touchdowns. While the Patriots fell short of repeating as champions in 2002, Brady proved that his Super Bowl run was no fluke. He had arrived as one of the league’s emerging young stars and franchise quarterbacks.
Rise to Stardom with Three More Super Bowl Wins (2005-2010)
The next stage of Brady’s career saw him reach the pinnacle of NFL success. From 2004-2010, Brady led the Patriots to an unprecedented level of dominance. He earned three more Super Bowl rings – Super Bowl XXXVIII, XXXIX and XLII – while taking home MVP honors each time. Brady cemented himself as the greatest quarterback of his era and one of the all-time greats with this sustained run of championships and MVP-caliber performances.
Statistically, Brady continued putting up eye-popping numbers that earned him five straight Pro Bowl selections from 2005-2009. He topped 4,000+ passing yards four times during this span. Brady also received numerous annual honors like All-Pro selections, cementing his status as the clear top quarterback in football. His play established the Patriots dynasty as the team of the 2000s decade.
Later Career Success with the Patriots (2011-2019)
Entering his mid-30s, many questioned if Brady could keep his high level of play going as he aged in the NFL. However, he proved the doubters wrong with two more Super Bowl victories. Brady led the Patriots to a thrilling comeback win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and a historic fifth championship in Super Bowl LI a few years later. These victories showed that Brady remained at the top of his game even as his career extended deeper into his late 30s.
In 2016, Brady enjoyed one of his finest individual seasons statistically. He threw for over 4,700 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning a well-deserved NFL MVP award at age 39 – a near unprecedented achievement. Brady continued making Pro Bowls and receiving All-Pro honors annually. He shattered numerous career passing records while cementing himself as not just the greatest Patriot, but arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
Final Chapter with the Buccaneers (2020-2022)
After two decades in New England, Brady made a shocking free agency move in 2020, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite changing teams and systems for the first time, Brady proved age was still just a number. In his first season with Tampa Bay, he led the Buccaneers to an 11-5 record and a Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brady’s performance earned him a record fifth Super Bowl MVP trophy, further cementing his legendary status.
At age 43 in 2021, Brady continued playing at an elite level. He threw for over 4,600 yards and 40 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories. The Buccaneers won their division again, demonstrating Brady’s unparalleled ability to elevate those around him regardless of the situation. In early 2022, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 seasons. However, he ended up returning for one more year in 2023 before finally calling it a career after 23 seasons in the league.
Legacy and Place in NFL History
When looking at Brady’s career accomplishments and records, it’s clear he stands alone as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. He holds the all-time record with seven Super Bowl victories, including five Super Bowl MVP awards. Brady’s longevity is unmatched as well – he played in 10 Super Bowls total over two decades and remained a top quarterback into his mid-40s.
Statistically, Brady sits at the top of nearly every major career passing record. He threw for over 84,000 yards and 649 touchdowns during the regular season and playoffs combined. Brady also owns records for Pro Bowl selections (15), All-Pro honors (5), and MVP awards (3). No other quarterback comes close to matching Brady’s sustained excellence and championship pedigree. His incredible story of being a late-round pick who exceeded all expectations will likely never be replicated. Brady left an unmatched legacy that solidified him as the GOAT of the NFL.
Beyond the Field Influence and Recognition
While Brady’s primary recognition and legacy will always be defined by his immense football success, his influence and fame have also extended well beyond the field. He launched a successful apparel line called “Brady Brand” in 2020 that has grown significantly. Brady has also invested in other businesses and become a sought-after public speaker.
On the entertainment side, Brady has made guest appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live over the years. He’s developed a fun persona as a fashion/lifestyle icon as well through his TB12 method. Brady also married supermodel Gisele Bündchen in 2009, elevating his celebrity profile even higher.
In summary, while Brady has gained recognition in popular culture and business circles due to his fame, the accomplishments that truly define his career took place between the lines on the football field. His unprecedented championships, records, awards and sustained excellence over two decades cement him as not only the greatest quarterback, but quite possibly the greatest player in NFL history based on his performance. Brady’s story will continue to inspire for generations with one of the most illustrious careers the league has ever seen.
