FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady doesn’t just make himself better with hard work, his competitive fire is contagious and has a trickle down effect on his teammates.
“He’s a tough guy, for sure, the ultimate competitor,” Patriots receiver Danny Amendola said after Wednesday’s practice at Gillette Stadium. Brady reportedly suffered a sprained ankle in New England’s Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, an ailment he said Wednesday is “feeling better.” He walked to the podium for his presser without a limp.
“He’s been around for a long time playing at a high level,” Amendola said. “He plays really good football, but he also gets everyone else to play good football, too. It’s the time of the year when everyone has to play good football, and he knows that, and he’ll bring it out of us, too.
“It’s my third year playing with him. I saw it my first year, the first day I was here. Whether it was mini-camp or OTAs or playoff football, he’s always intense. He’s always getting the most out of his teammates and playing at a very high level himself.”
Amendola has learned to appreciate Brady’s mental toughness. One mistake in the playoffs can cost you a shot at winning the Super Bowl. Staying focused and making the smart decisions on the field requires a certain level of mental strength.
Just look at last season’s Super Bowl. The Patriots were trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, a deficit no team had ever overcome. Brady proceeded to dominate in the final 15 minutes with two touchdown drives, bringing the best football out of himself and his teammates.
“Mentally, he’s one of the toughest players that I’ve been around,” Amendola said. “He gets everybody lined up and gets everybody in the right position. He’s mentally tough, for sure.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
