FOXBORO, Mass. — Tom Brady became the winningest quarterback in NFL history Sunday, notching the 201st victory of his illustrious 17-year career.
After the game — a 26-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams — Brady’s New England Patriots teammates shared their thoughts on the signal-caller’s record-setting afternoon.
“I’ve watched him play since I was like in eighth grade, and I’ve been here for eight years. That tells you something,” wide receiver Julian Edelman told reporters. “To get to see him do this, couldn’t happen to a better guy or a better player. Everything he’s done, he’s deserved. He should be the face of this league with his story, how he prepares — he’s a family man. It couldn’t happen to anyone better.”
No other active quarterback even is within 50 victories of Brady, who will turn 40 this summer. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints is closest with 135.
“Quite frankly, it’s unreal,” Edelman said. “It just shows you that’s what separates himself from the other guys. You go look at the other greats, I mean, when they are at this age, they don’t look like him. Not even close. You can put a stamp on that one.”
Edelman also congratulated Brady on Twitter.
Brady’s other receivers offered similarly glowing reviews.
“I mean, it’s awesome,” said Chris Hogan, who caught a touchdown pass from Brady early in the second quarter. “Just playing with him is such an honor, because he’s so great. Week in and week out, he just keeps doing it. He’s the leader of our offense, (and he gets) total attention. When he’s speaking, no one else is speaking. You listen to him the entire time.”
Rookie wideout Malcolm Mitchell, who, like Hogan, is in his first season with the Patriots, concurred.
“I feel very fortunate that I was able to experience that,” Mitchell said.
Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, who is 13 years Brady’s junior, called the QB “a walking legend” and said it is an honor to share a locker room with him.
“(Brady has) the most wins in quarterback history in the NFL, but he still comes to work like he hasn’t accomplished anything,” Butler said. “I look up to that. Much respect and congratulations.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
