Tom Brady Encourages NFL Players to Embrace Preseason

Tom Brady has issued a message to NFL players who prefer observing preseason games from the sidelines. His advice: Participate in the games. The seven-time Super Bowl winner criticized the trend of established players skipping exhibition games after a fan highlighted a clip of Brady playing intensively during a 2010 New England Patriots preseason game.

The clip showcased Brady’s performance on August 26, 2010, during a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams. Brady played through New England’s first offensive series of the fourth quarter, completing 18 of 22 passes for 273 yards. He achieved three touchdowns without interceptions and a perfect 158.0 passer rating. One touchdown included a 65-yard pass to Randy Moss. This game did not serve to prove Brady’s capability; he had already earned three Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP awards by then.

“Preseason… Regular season… I never wanted to be taken off the field. Practice makes perfect,” Brady remarked, reposting the video on his Instagram Story. “Too many people looking for easy ways out these days.”

Brady’s viewpoint is clear: when the football season starts, players should play. He doesn’t agree with the notion of protecting stars from potentially harmful preseason games, despite the NFL’s shift to a 17-game regular season. Coaches understandably aim to avoid risking their top players’ health before the season.

Some might interpret Brady’s comments as another retired athlete urging younger players to work harder. Nonetheless, Brady’s impressive career, crowned with seven Super Bowl victories, supports his stance.