TOM BRADY GIVES A PASSIONATE SPEECH ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO PLAY FOOTBALL
Most people agree that Tom Brady is the best American football player of all time. He is the most accomplished player in the NFL, having won seven Super Bowls in his 23 seasons with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Bucs. The Patriots waived the four-year waiting period to induct him into their Hall of Fame in recognition of his legacy. Brady delivered a stirring, timeless speech about tenacity and teamwork at his induction ceremony.
Having spent two decades leading one of the most successful sports teams in history, Brady's insights resonate beyond football. “The foundation of a successful team, a family, or business is asking what you can do to support the mission,” he said in his speech. “Everyone was committed to winning. Everyone was selfless. Everyone was always asking, ‘What can I do to help the team win?’ As the great John Wooden said, ‘Happiness begins where selfishness ends.’
Brady started his professional career with minimal expectations as the 199th overall pick out of 254 in the 2000 NFL draft. He became a legend and was enshrined in the Patriots Hall of Fame in June 2024, but he eventually reached the pinnacle of success. The Patriots' home stadium, which can accommodate 65,000 people, is the only venue where an induction ceremony has ever been held.
Addressing the question he often gets asked about whether his children will play football, Brady said that he's going to support their dreams, whatever they are. He acknowledges, though, that given what it enriches one's life, he can't help but suggest it.
For the straightforward reason that football is challenging, Brady says, "I would encourage everyone to participate." While you're young, it can be challenging to get up at six in the morning to work out and train while all of your friends are eating pancakes and sleeping in. It's challenging when you're carrying around all of your equipment on your way to practice, it's ninety degrees outside, all the other kids are at the beach or pool, and your body is already totally worn out from exercises and two-a-days. It’s hard to throw, catch, block, tackle, and hit kids when they’re way bigger and way more developed than you, only to go home that night, bruised and battered and strained, but knowing you have to show up again the next day for just the chance to try again.
“But understand this: life is hard. No matter who you are, there are bumps and hits and bruises along the way. And my advice is to prepare yourself because football lessons teach us that success and achievement come from overcoming adversity, and that team accomplishment far exceeds anyone’s individual goals. To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t. Consistent, determined, and willing to work for it. No shortcuts.”
Following his retirement in 2023, Brady's consistency and determination haven't wavered. Now, the former NFL player brings his expertise to other ventures, such as a broadcasting career at Fox Sports, and as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the WNBA team Las Vegas Aces, and the British soccer team Birmingham City—all of which have seen improvements or even championships since his arrival.