6. Tom Brady: The first half of the list concludes today. Let’s take it back to February 1st this year. After a legendary run in the NFL, this legend decided to call it quits and retire. Something we never thought would happen because he had been playing at the highest level for years. He’s been way past his prime but continues to play consistent football. Next, let’s fast forward to March 13th, 2022. Six weeks after announcing he was retiring, the announcement comes that he’s unretiring and coming back for another year. It’s not a list without him. Tom Brady is back! He’s my sixth-best player in the NFL and my third-ranked quarterback entering the 2022 season.
Watching him for so many seasons, 2021 was the best I’ve ever seen him throw the football. Every pass he completed, he threw it with authority and zip. I kept saying his first year in Tampa Bay was an adjustment for him. One, there were no OTA (Organized Team Activities) or training camps due to COVID, so those first few games of the 2020 season were his preseason. That was the first time in his career he was learning a new playbook. Last season, Tom was locked in and looked more comfortable within the offensive system in Florida. The Buccaneers allowed him to control the offense and allowed him to play as himself more. I noticed him sending more guys in motion, he finally had that running back he could check the ball too and he attacked the middle of the field. The pocket presence is still there. Tom knows how to elude pressure and get the ball out of his hands quickly. Even after all of these years, he still connects on all of the passes, left and right. Tom’s hunger to keep getting better and the desire to stay consistent still amaze me to this day. He’s a competitor and a leader that sets the bar by leading by example. He leads and that entire Bucs team follows him.
2021 was another quality year for the greatest to do it. Tom led the league in touchdown passes with 43 and in passing yards with 5,316. This came from a 44-year old. Also, he helped lead the Buccaneers to their first division title in 14 years with a 13-4 record and the two seed in the NFC. I’m thrilled he’s coming back for another year. I’ll never take watching him for granted.
