Tom Brady: Catch him while you still can

I remember during the 1970s watching NFL greats like Terry Bradshaw, Fran Tarkenton and Bob Griese slicing and dicing defences. And, during the 1980s I watched future hall of famers like Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Joe Theismann create headaches for many a defensive coordinator. I watch, but mostly I was cursing at them when they played and beat my beloved Dallas Cowboys. At that time I heard all the praises from fawning sports reporters and just wanted to gag. I was never interested in hearing how great these and other players where, I was just interested in how the Cowboys were fairing in the standings and how they were going to make it to the Superbowl. I knew how good someone like Joe Montana was, but I didn’t care. I wanted to see him beat. I knew Joe Theismann was good, but I wanted him beat. Immature? Yes. Jealous? Yes.

Fast forward to now. I wish I could go back in time to watch those players and others like them and appreciate just how good they really were. I wish I could go back in time and watch every game they played; to see greatness playing out before me. Yes, we now have the wonder of ESPN Classics and, of course the Internet. But, it’s not the same. Reliving some of those great games via Youtube is neat, but it can never replace actually being there or even watching it as it happened.

There is someone playing in the NFL right now who is about to embark on another season, which may or may not be his last. Whether or not it’s his last, he is certainly nearing the end of his NFL career. I’m talking about Tom Brady - quarterback of the New England Patriots. I want to make a suggestion to those of you who are in the mind frame I was in during the 70s and 80s. Whatever negativity you feel about Tom Brady, step outside of that. Take advantage of the time you have right now and realize that an NFL legend is making history right before our eyes. In fact, that whole team is making history right before our eyes. I’m not suggesting you cheer for the Patriots when their playing your team, but don’t miss out on a once in a lifetime chance to see a great player and a great team make history. Don’t wait until you’re 40, 50 or 60 years old and wish you could have watched the Patriots make history, AS IT HAPPENED. Don’t wait and watch archived footage. It won’t be the same, I promise you.