Deciphering Tom Brady’s “Commitment”
June 6th, 2022
All-in?
Recently, Tom Brady was involved in some kind of golf thing in a made-for-TV stunt where he played golf for charity at the Wynn in Vegas.
One Joe had zero interest and refused to lower himself to watch this when there was a perfectly good and informative documentary on Teddy Roosevelt on Joe’s DVR.
The other Joe recorded it and tried to suffer through it live but just didn’t have the necessary patience or courage to watch every minute.
Apparently, while being interviewed at this, um, outing, Brady suggested he may not be fully committed to football this year. Or, maybe he is. And it got Jenna Laine of ESPN to wonder if Brady is all-in in what appears to be his final season with the Bucs.
Is quarterback Tom Brady all-in for 2022? In an interview with TNT during a star-studded golf event called “The Match,” Brady talked about his commitment to football, his family and outside interests. “You know, at this stage, it’s like 55% yes and 45% no. It’s not 100-0. That’s just the reality,” Brady said. “It’s not that I’m not 100% committed, it’s just as soon as I make the commitment to do it, it’s like ‘Ugh. All right, here we go.'” Brady added once he made the choice, he was “100% committed.” But what type of Brady will we see in camp?
Joe is sure the last player the Bucs have to worry about is Brady. Joe just cannot imagine Brady going through practices half-arsed — if he shows up this week for mandatory minicamp.
Brady has worked way, way, way too hard on his image to all of a sudden get lazy and destroy part or all of his image with sloppy play. That’s not who Brady is. That’s not what he does.
Joe is far more concerned with where Brady’s buddy, foot-rubbing tight end Rob Gronkowski, is than Brady’s commitment level.
June 6th, 2022 at 2:28 pm
Bradys not geared to 💩 the 🛌.
It’s not in his DNA.
June 6th, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Ah the silly season. Won’t be long until we have some real football. In the meantime…Tom Brady getting a pimple on his arse becomes big news.
June 6th, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Joe, I think the 55/45 comment was referencing the decision to return. I have zero doubt that Brady will give anything leas than his all. He wouldn’t do that to his teammates, himself, or his legacy. Like you referenced, half ass and Brady don’t even belong in the same sentence. His commitment was questioned his final years in NE. That had much more to do with his feelings towards Bill than anything. He still showed up and gave 100%, even though they were not committed to him.
June 6th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
GOB nailed it this time. 👏
June 6th, 2022 at 2:56 pm
If it wasn’t Ken Burns “The Roosevelts” doc you could’ve skipped it Joe lol
June 6th, 2022 at 3:06 pm
I question Brady’s focus during his final season in New England. The Patriots’ PR shaped the media narrative that Brady was unhappy with the roster, but that wasn’t what led to his departure. Brady’s frustration and exit were based on Belichick insisting on single-season deals. First off it was a vote of no-confidence in Brady, second, it was classless to treat a 6 time SB winner that way, third, it smacked of ingratitude after years of team-friendly deals, and last, Brady knew that Robert Kraft was not intervening to deliver him a multi-year deal.
If Brady isn’t all in, you’ll see it during camp and the preseason. But for what it’s worth, I’m quite sure Brady is all in.
June 6th, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Brady is as all in as the Joes are for Big Storm Beer on a Sat Night (and Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri nights)
June 6th, 2022 at 3:47 pm
I’m not sure Brady is wired for anything but all-in.
His legacy would be forever tarnished if he dogged it his (supposedly) last year.
June 6th, 2022 at 3:59 pm
One thing no one ever talks about, it’s blasphemy for me even to say, but Tom isn’t super human right, Jordan wasn’t at the Wizards, Peyton had that legendary season, next season fizzled out but won a title, everyone acts like it’s business as usual with Tom, with our schedule, would it be that much a surprise if the Bucs limp to a 9-8 record and Tom crawls to his cushy TV gig, honestly I hope media starts pushing this idea, motivation is the fuel that lights Toms fire
June 6th, 2022 at 4:06 pm
Joe’s, ever think of having a commenter contest, so many fans post really interesting comments, suggestions etc., really let the average Joes (that’s what I think this website is about) have a challenge/contest where they can compete to submit an article each week, would definitely promote traffic, headlined as The Average JoesBucsfan article, sounds fun
June 6th, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Couldn’t agree more with you Joe and other commenters. Brady’s all in. He wouldn’t have unretired if wasn’t pushing all his chips into the pot. SB or Bust!
Glad you caught that Roosevelt documentary. It was excellent. The dude epitomized what a President out to be. Our national park system wouldn’t be what it is today without him.
June 6th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
I hate Golf. Probably for a silly reason but childhood trauma for sure affects adult thoughts and views. For me, I was about 12 years old and my parents allowed an elderly man who was a family friend who survived a lightning strike while on the golf course. Anyways, he always controlled the TV ans would turn golf on when the Bucs were on TV on Sunday afternoon. So yeah, I freaking hate golf. I do not even want to try to like it. Pointless game if you ask me. It is a total and complete waste of time and resources. End rant.
June 6th, 2022 at 4:19 pm
We win another superbowl and that’s something TB12 simply wouldn’t be able to refuse. He would come back, winning cures all.
June 6th, 2022 at 4:42 pm
Depends on the other TB…..Todd Bowles. I’m scared of him, after getting all his starters back for the Rams game when the offense was injury and head case decimated, and he smeared doodoo all over the place in front of the world. Blitz Stafford. Great idea. Kupp? Why cover him?
June 6th, 2022 at 4:43 pm
Passing, remember Kraft had already overruled Bill on the Jimmy G trade. Bill was ordered to do it. He would’ve been more than happy to ship Brady off to SF. Bill was also overruled on the Gronk trade to Detroit. I think Belichick drew a line in the sand with Brady. Kraft had to make an either or choice.
I too questioned Brady’s focus his last few years, to be honest. But not his commitment. He stopped showing up for the parking spot. He was incredibly frustrated with the lack of weapons.
June 6th, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Agreed, GOB. Brady was committed once he got through that turbulent preseason.
Robert Kraft had to make a choice. He promised Belichick that he’d have complete roster control as a condition of employment. He overruled Bill on the matter of Jimmy G… most Patriot fans live in some fantasy land where Wickersham was making excrement up. I knew from a trusted source that things had soured between Belichick and Brady before that ESPN article was published. But I digress; Kraft knew Belichick was probably heading out the door if he was overruled on the single-year contracts issue. Brady was waiting for Robert Kraft to intervene, and when he didn’t, Brady wanted to get the hell out of Dodge.
The fault is more on Bill than Brady. Bill doesn’t say it, but this is all about his legacy. He’s convinced that his system was key to those six New England Super Bowls, plus the two he picked up in New York. He also didn’t want Guerrero around countermanding the team physicians, though that is something that I can appreciate.
June 6th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
GOB is correct. I saw the Match and the interview and she should have watched it too before she opened her mouth and tried to spin TB12’s statement and misconstrue what he spoke very clearly about. Rodgers also concurred with Tom on his returning to play each year. The two together were very competitive on the golf course and really wanted to beat the kids badly. Brady consulted with Rodgers before every putt.
June 6th, 2022 at 5:27 pm
Yup, the Alex Guerrero stuff played a big role. Bill went so far as to banish him from the facility. Brady had to walk up the road just to get treatment. Alex was telling lineman that they didn’t need to do squats. What amazes me most is how long they kept it together. Bill isn’t easy to play for. As Brady’s ego grew, it became more and more contentious. Anyway, 6 rings is something that’ll never happen again. What a joy it was to witness. Unless they play the Patriots in the Superbowl (doubtful) I’m cheering for the goat and the bucs. Kraft made the wrong choice.
June 6th, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Think whatever you will about Brady, but Alex is a snake oil salesman. He once claimed he had a pill that cured cancer. Concussion water is another big thing with him, whatever the hell that is. Brady is a big Tony Robbins guy too, another spewer of nonsense. Brady is huge on positive thinking. You can do that without associating with people like that. Brady is great because of his drive, and preparation.
June 6th, 2022 at 5:39 pm
GOB is correct. I did watch the golf event and I enjoyed it very much. Jenna completely misconstrued what Brady was saying. Accidental misunderstanding or an intentional twist of his words to sensationalize the article for more clicks?
Brady said young guys like Mahomes and Allen don’t have the same pull from their personal life as guys like Brady and Rodgers. The years mount and the longer he’s played he’s seen the scenarios change from his 20’s when there was no doubt he was coming back for the next season, 100-0, to now where the decision has become more 55-45. With all the other parts of life demanding his time, the decision to commit to being in 100% isn’t as simple as it was 15 years ago. He had to decide if he could give everything it takes and he eventually made that all-in commitment.
June 6th, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Recycled story yet again Joe.
C’mon Mann!
June 6th, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Wow, you ex Patriot fans know everything that happened in New England don’t you. If GOB told you Brady was screwing Bills girlfriend you would believe he had pictures. Belichek, Kraft, Jimmy, and Brady all said Brady didn’t ask Kraft to get rid of Jimmy. But don’t believe the people who were involved. The reason Jimmy was traded was he was up for a new contract, and with other teams interested, they couldn’t afford both QBs. 49ers GM Lynch said when they were talking trade of Jimmy, he asked Bill about trading for Brady and Bill laughed at him. Bill didn’t want to ever get rid of Brady. He just didn’t think Brady would call his bluff and go to Tampa.
June 6th, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Brady is even more competitive than Michael Jordan, he fully expects to lead the league in passing again
June 6th, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Also Kraft didn’t stop the Gronk to Detroit trade
Gronk threatened to retire if traded. Kraft had already oked the deal.
June 6th, 2022 at 7:20 pm
Sparky, You must believe everything organizations say. Bill had his succession plan on place. He was ordered to trade Jimmy. Brady went to Kraft, at the end, because he wanted to finish his career in NE. Bill basically told him, thanks for the memories. Kraft sided with belichick. Bill had better offers for Jimmy. He loved the kid so much, that he set him up in SF.
I’m sure you believe Brady didn’t “promote” BA either, please. Kraft brokered the deal that brought Gronk back. He did threaten retirement, but Bill was done with the Alex Guerrero nonsense. Gronk was involved in that mess too.
June 6th, 2022 at 7:27 pm
You should know better than to take the Patriots word for anything sparky, especially trade rumors.
June 6th, 2022 at 7:34 pm
Belichick and Kraft had a closed door meeting about trading Gronk. It was actually Brady who threatened to retire if the deal went through. Kraft nixed the trade. That’s not GOBs reporting, but the reputable Adam Kurkjian. Do a little homework Sparky
June 6th, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Ok. I guess your source is Wikersham or whatever his name is. I’m one to believe what the people involved say and not someone who has a unknown person who shall remain a big f×cking secret. Until what those 4 guys who said Brady didn’t ask for a Jimmy trade can be proven to have lied, I’ll believe them. I do agree with you on the Alex Guerrero stuff. He’s kinda creepy I think. With Brady every where he goes…..
June 6th, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Seth’s book is as close to gospel as we’ll ever get sparky. He had unprecedented access on both sides. Of course, we can’t know everything exactly how it happened. No hard feelings, gentlemen can disagree. I value your opinion here.
June 6th, 2022 at 8:00 pm
I watched the match but I must have misunderstood Brady, too. I thought when he said the 55/45 thing he was talking about the possibility of a 2023 season. Hmm.. Anyway, I bet Tom plays a lot of golf in his retirement. He seems to like the individual competition, and he has a LOT to learn, which I bet he really enjoys.
June 6th, 2022 at 8:03 pm
I guess I don’t have to do any homework, I’ll just believe whatever Wikersham, Kurkjian, and GOB tell me.
June 6th, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Yep GOB, no problem. I find your post mostly interesting. Keep me informed. I’ll decide what I want to believe and if you don’t mind, I might throw the bullsh!t flag once in awhile. Have a good night, Sir.
June 6th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Sparky, BlahahHa BlahahHa, no homework, but you’ll be graded heavily on the midterm.
Crickett, when Joe first posted, I thought those were Rodgers comments. Not sure if he read a transcript or saw the interview on TV. Whatever the case, the “match” was boring as hell. Of course, Rodgers had to steal the interview with his constant drivel.
June 6th, 2022 at 9:06 pm
Quite possibly the dumbest thing to ever question. Is Tom Brady committed to football?
June 6th, 2022 at 9:25 pm
That’s the “team” spin, SPARKY. New England needed to make a move due to the expiration of Jimmy G’s rookie contract. What I was told (after the ESPN story, I had no idea this was happening in real-time) was that Bill wanted to go with youth, and trade Brady. Robert Kraft refused, which is the only time the elder Kraft made a personnel decision. What I did know before the ESPN story broke was that there was tension developing between Brady and Belichick, and Guerrero was a part of it. This part is conjecture: I do think Bill wanted to move on from Brady due to age, and the mounting tension between them.
Brady’s ego? Sure. But Belichick has a huge ego as well, and he is concerned about his legacy. That was a huge part of the “Do Your Job” video, was to cement that Bill (and his old friend Ernie) played a very important part in the Super Bowl 49 victory.
The only guy who could have smoothed it over was Robert Kraft as Jonathan is strictly business operations. But Robert probably felt that Brady couldn’t continue at an elite level of play for much longer, and that siding with Tom would result in Bill leaving.
June 6th, 2022 at 9:53 pm
deciphering… word parsing… nothing to see here.
June 6th, 2022 at 10:40 pm
GOB seems like a sockpuppet for a former JBF Pat’s sycophant.
June 7th, 2022 at 12:33 am
I have to admit that was the only golf match that I ever have watched. I didn’t find it all that boring because of who was playing in it and I loved the “drivel” altho it got pretty quiet on the last holes.
June 7th, 2022 at 1:30 am
Sounds about right. 55/45 was about deciding to come back or not. Once he decided, he will be his usual professional 100% self. After the final whistle, hopefully carrying a Lombardi, he will be back to 55/45. Or less.