Tom Brady says he doesn’t deserve to be NFL’s top player

Tom Brady disagrees with his NFL colleagues that he is the finest player in the league.

The players themselves determined the NFL Network’s Top 100 players for 2022, on which Brady placed first.

In 2011, the quarterback was elected No. 1, a testament to his excellence, the respect he commands, and his durability. Now, eleven years later, after dominating the NFL in passing in 2021, he is back on top. This is his fourth time finishing first.

However, Brady stated on the “Let’s Go” podcast with Jim Gray that he does not consider himself the league’s best player.

“It’s always wonderful to be recognized by your peers,” Brady remarked, adding, “but I don’t necessarily believe that I’m the best. I believe that I view myself differently than everyone else. I still strive to show it to myself every day by going out into the world. Yes, I believe I’m a fairly good football player, but I’ve got to prove it this season.

Brady has stated that he believes it is impossible to separate his personal achievement from the talents of his teammates.

“I’ve always believed that these prizes are for teams. This year, I get to throw passes to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, and Julio Jones, as well as all of the incredible players I’ve had over the years. You cannot accomplish anything in football without the support and passion of your teammates.”

Tom Brady makes a field goal against the New England Patriots while pointing on the field.

AP Photo/Steven Senne

However, Brady does not believe he lacks skill. He told Gray that there are physically more gifted players, but that his experience and leadership distinguish him.

“Where do I excel most? I excel at being a leader. I excel due to my commitment and discipline. I believe I excel mentally. I excel psychologically. I am able to maintain emotional composure when necessary.

“Where people miss the mark with me and misjudge portions of sports, competition, and skill sets in general is that too much emphasis is placed on physical, observable characteristics that are simple to measure, such as someone’s speed, height, or jumping ability. And they misappropriate the value of someone’s capacity to learn, to process information fast, to be a leader, to demonstrate discipline, and to be a really consistent player with a consistent attitude for the team, who is a team player and wants to win and see the team succeed every day. I consider those to be my greatest strengths.”

In an NFL Network film discussing Tom Brady’s No. 1 ranking, players highlighted what makes the seven-time Super Bowl champion so exceptional. Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, nearly shared the same evaluation as Tom Brady.

It appears that this drive and determination to win never diminish, as Kelce stated. “This want to win is the strongest of anyone in the NFL. This is by far the factor that distinguishes him the most.”

Or perhaps safety Malcolm Jenkins said it best.

“If I have a son — and I don’t even have a son yet — and he grows up to play in the league, he’ll have to prepare to face Tom Brady,” he remarked.