Tom Brady’s Early Years in the NFL
New England Patriots fans might remember a young, untested Tom Brady stepping onto the field for his first NFL game back in 2000. We’re sure they had no idea that this sixth-round draft pick would eventually become one of the most successful quarterbacks in league history.
Brady spent his rookie season as a fourth-string quarterback, and it wasn’t until an injury to Drew Bledsoe in 2001 that he got his chance to shine. Filling in for Bledsoe, Brady led the Patriots to an impressive 11-3 record for the remainder of the season. His performance didn’t go unnoticed; he was named starting quarterback and went on to lead New England to victory in Super Bowl XXXVI.
During these early years, injuries weren’t much of a concern for Brady. In fact, from 2001 to 2007 he didn’t miss a single regular-season game due to injury – that’s over six full seasons without missing a beat! However, things took a turn during the opening game of the 2008 season when he suffered a severe knee injury which forced him out for the rest of that year.
Undeniably, Brady’s resilience and dedication were key factors driving his success during these formative years. Those qualities not only helped him overcome obstacles but also laid down strong foundations for an illustrious career that continues even today. As we dig deeper into Tom Brady’s incredible journey through our upcoming sections, you’ll get more glimpses into why this fellow is often hailed as one of football’s greatest quarterbacks.
The Impact of Injuries on Brady’s Career
In an illustrious career spanning over two decades, it’s surprising to know that Tom Brady has missed a relatively small number of games due to injury. We’ve seen him sidelined for just 19 regular season games throughout his entire career. Let’s dive into the details.
Tom Brady’s most significant injury occurred in the first game of the 2008 NFL season. A hit from Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard resulted in a torn ACL and MCL for Brady. This devastating blow forced him out of action for the entire season, meaning he missed 15 regular season games that year alone.
However, even this major setback didn’t deter our star quarterback. He returned stronger than ever in 2009, leading his team to win ten games and earn another playoff berth. It’s noteworthy to mention that apart from this severe injury in 2008, Brady has been remarkably resilient.
How Many Games Has Tom Brady Missed in His Career
Throughout his storied career, Tom Brady has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistency. Let’s delve into the seasons where he was forced to sit out games due to injuries or suspensions.
The season that tops this list is indisputably 2008. A major injury hit came during the first game itself when a hit from Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard resulted in an ACL tear for Brady. This injury sidelined him for the entire season, leading him to miss a whopping 15 games – a number unparalleled in his career.
Next up we’ve got 2016, but for very different reasons. We’re talking about the infamous ‘Deflategate’ scandal here folks! Brady was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of this season due to allegations of football tampering during the AFC Championship Game against Indianapolis Colts in January 2015.
Finally, let’s take you back to 2000, Tom’s rookie year with the New England Patriots. Not due to any injury or suspension but simply as he was not yet at helm as starting quarterback, Brady could only watch from sidelines for most part of this season.
It’s fascinating how resilient and consistent Brady has been throughout his long NFL career despite these adversities. His ability not only to recover from setbacks but also return stronger is testament to why he’s considered one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
