A report that Tom Brady was nearly drafted by the New York Jets made the rounds Wednesday, giving Gang Green and New England Patriots fans alike thoughts about what could have been.
But if the quarterback’s name really was mentioned in the Jets’ draft room in 2000, former head coach Bill Parcells doesn’t remember it.
Parcells made his weekly appearance on ESPN Radio’s “The Michael Kay Show” on Thursday and debunked any rumors that Jets scout Jesse Kaye “nearly stood on a table shouting (Brady’s) name” in order to convince the team to draft the quarterback 199th overall.
“I can tell you I have absolutely no recollection of (Brady’s name being said),” Parcells said, via NJ.com. “And, you know, some of these scouts, now that Brady has been a monumental success, they revisit their opinion. Don’t forget, there were 198 (picks) past him. He was the 199th pick, correct? … So I don’t even remember ever hearing his name from anyone in the Jets’ organization.
“I don’t know who that was that said it, but I can tell you, no one ever told me to draft Tom Brady. … I had a lot of regard for (Kaye), so I think I would have remembered if he mentioned that.”
So, it appears Patriots fans can wake up from their nightmare of seeing Brady in green and white.
Photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
