-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-1
(New York, NY) – By simply uploading a video to social media, it was over. The greatest career in NFL history has come to a close. Tom Brady, at the age of 45, is walking away from the game that made him rich and famous.
It’s a strange day for New York football fans, whether they be of the blue or green persuasion. For years, Brady tormented Jets supporters while at the helm of Bill Belichick’s offense. In 2001, the year Brady took over as starter after Mo Lewis knocked Drew Bledsoe from a game, New England won the AFC East and Super Bowl title. The following year, the Jets won the division. In the 17 seasons that followed, the Patriots were AFC Champs each year except for one (the Dolphins, 2008). That type of consistent winning has caused Jets fans plenty of pain, but also earned Brady plenty of respect. When he left for Tampa Bay several years ago, it felt like the end of an era – even though Brady continued to win along the way.
Now, it’s official that Brady won’t be coming back to save the Patriots, or “taking his talents to South Beach” as a member of Dolphins. He won’t be a potential playoff opponent with the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady also passed on the potential chance to head home to California and join his childhood team, the San Francisco 49ers.
So, in that sense, Jets fans can breathe a sigh of relief, and acknowledge the greatness that (finally) won’t leave New York football fans wanting. But from a different perspective, New York football can feel cemented in its unique standing when it comes to Brady. The New York Giants two most recent Super Bowl victories came at Brady’s expense. Eli Manning enjoys poking fun at the GOAT over that fact – even if Brady is the greatest.
New York, New York, a place so nice they named it twice. And, as Brady can certainly tell you, a place with two distinct pro football franchises.
