Former NFL star Julian Edelman, who spent years alongside Tom Brady with the New England Patriots, recently revealed surprising details about the legendary quarterback. Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and veteran of 10 appearances in the big game – more than some franchises have ever managed – was known for his toughness and relentless dedication to winning.
Brady’s final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 ended with a Super Bowl victory, yet what many didn’t know at the time was that he played the entire season with a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL). Despite this significant injury, he threw 40 touchdown passes at the age of 43 and led the Bucs to glory.
While this revelation stunned some fans, those who had shared a locker room with Brady were far less surprised. According to Edelman, playing hurt was a common occurrence for the legendary quarterback throughout his career in New England.
During an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Edelman was asked if he had ever noticed Brady playing while injured. His response painted a clear picture of the quarterback’s grit and determination.
Well, those are the injuries that you knew about. I mean, Tom played through some stuff that I don’t know if that’s legal or not, but there were times where he had a broken foot, and no one knew about it. He played with broken ribs. He just didn’t really publicize it. But I tell you one thing that Tom always did. He always thought about his body. He thought about that in his preparation. He had Alex Guerrero around him 24/7. So if he’s subconsciously thinking about this all the time, it translates into your game there.
Edelman’s comments underscored what Brady’s teammates had always known: even while hurt, Brady never made excuses and consistently gave his best effort to remain on the field and lead his team.
Since taking over as New England’s starting quarterback in 2001, Brady had rarely missed games due to injury. The only full season he missed came in 2008 when he tore his ACL in Week 1.
Tom Brady’s injury history
Brady’s career was filled with injuries, some more severe than others. In 2011, he played an entire season with a dislocated shoulder and still led the Patriots to the Super Bowl.
In 2013, he competed in the postseason with a damaged ligament in his throwing hand. That season ended in the AFC Championship Game, where the Patriots fell to the Denver Broncos.
In 2018, ahead of another AFC title game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brady suffered a deep cut below his thumb on his throwing hand. He required stitches, which were removed just before kickoff. The injury caused a media frenzy, with speculation about whether he would be ready to play.
Other documented injuries included a dislocated shoulder in Week 15 of the 2003 season, a knee problem a week before Super Bowl XXXVI, a sprained ankle in 2007, and a broken finger along with three fractured ribs in 2009.
Brady’s ability to perform at an elite level through pain cemented his reputation as one of the toughest and most resilient players in NFL history. His remarkable achievements set a standard that may take decades for another quarterback to match. Today, Brady has transitioned into a role as an NFL team owner and broadcaster, continuing to leave his mark on the game even after retirement.
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