Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback (QB) in NFL history, not just because of his impressive numbers but also due to his longevity, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. With a career spanning 23 seasons, Brady left an indelible mark on football, setting records and changing the narrative of what it means to be a QB in the NFL. His path to greatness was anything but typical, but that only makes his story more compelling.

Unlikely Beginnings: The NFL's Greatest Draft Steal

Born on Aug. 3, 1977, in San Mateo, Calif., Brady grew up idolizing Joe Montana of the 49ers. Despite his passion for football, Brady wasn't considered a top prospect during his college career at Michigan. He wasn’t even a starter until his junior year. His NFL Draft selection didn’t do much to improve his prospects—Brady was famously drafted 199th overall in the sixth round in 2000 by the New England Patriots. In retrospect, it’s hard to believe that the future "G.O.A.T" (Greatest of All Time) was passed over 198 times.

When Brady first began working out with the Patriots, nobody expected anything from him. At one point in 2000, he was fourth on the depth chart and looked to have no future in the league. This "underdog" beginning only fueled Brady’s determination. He used the skepticism surrounding his capabilities to push himself harder. By 2001, he worked himself into the backup QB role. After an 0-2 start and an injury to Drew Bledsoe, Brady became the 2001 starter. He made the best of his opportunity, leading the team to win 11 of their remaining 14 games, including the AFC East. Brady’s amazing run only continued from there and he never saw the bench again.

Brady’s grit and competitive nature became hallmarks of his career, and his selection as the NFL’s biggest draft steal is one of the cornerstones of his legendary status.

Super Bowl Dominance

Tom Brady's greatness is most apparent in his Super Bowl performances. Winning seven Super Bowl titles, more than any player or franchise in the NFL, Brady redefined what it means to be a clutch performer. Brady appeared in 10 Super Bowls, winning MVP honors five times. His first Super Bowl win came in that 2001 season (Super Bowl XXXVI) when he led the Patriots to a stunning victory over the St. Louis Rams, the second-biggest upset in Super Bowl history (14-point underdogs). That game established Brady as a winner, even though he had just begun his career as a starting QB.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Brady’s influence extended to how fans and analysts approached each game. His consistent dominance often impacted pro football lines, with bookmakers and fans alike factoring in his ability to perform under pressure when predicting game outcomes. Whether it was orchestrating a last-minute drive to win the game (as seen in Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII) or leading the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl LI, Brady thrived when the stakes were highest. His mastery of these moments set him apart from his peers.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

What made Tom Brady so successful wasn’t just his physical attributes but his mental toughness and leadership. Brady was known for his ability to lead by example. Whether on the practice field or during games, his work ethic was unparalleled. Former teammates and coaches consistently speak of Brady’s attention to detail, his relentless drive for perfection, and his ability to inspire those around him.

His leadership extended beyond his teammates. Brady’s mental toughness helped him weather some of the most intense scrutiny any athlete has faced. From his sixth-round draft position to the controversy of “Deflategate,” Brady faced adversity with a mindset of perseverance. This resilience not only enhanced his personal legacy but elevated the teams he played for.

Records and Longevity

Brady’s career is filled with a laundry list of records that few, if any, QBs are likely to surpass. He holds the NFL records for career passing yards (89,214), career passing touchdowns (649), and career completions (7,753), all of which were achieved over 23 seasons. Perhaps more impressive is his longevity—Brady continued playing at an elite level into his mid-40s. He is the only player, let alone quarterback, in NFL history to win Super Bowls in three different decades, and he became the oldest player to win a Super Bowl at age 43 in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He and Peyton Manning are also the only two quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl as a starter for two different teams.

Final Seasons and Legacy

Brady’s last few seasons, including his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showcased that he could win anywhere. After 20 seasons with the Patriots, Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team in 2020, proving that his greatness transcended team systems. The following season, he led the Buccaneers to a 13-4 record and led the league in completions (485), passing yards (5,316) and passing touchdowns (43). He retired with seven Super Bowl rings, cementing his legacy as the best quarterback in the sport’s history.

In the annals of NFL history, Tom Brady stands alone as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. His records, leadership, and ability to win in the most crucial moments solidify his place as the "G.O.A.T." in the eyes of fans, analysts, and players alike.