Tom Brady: New England Patriots QB defeats time with 3rd MVP

On the eve of Super Bowl LII, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player.

No matter what happens in Super Bowl LII, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has already defeated time with his third AP MVP honor.

Why?

It’s simple.  The ageless wonder hasn’t just shown that he could still play the game at a high level at the age of 40, he had done it with dominance.  Proving that he is still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, Brady was named the AP MVP for being the ultimate team player.

With the award, he joins Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas as the only NFL players to get the nod at least three times.  More than the numbers he displayed in the 2017 regular season, he was as clutch as ever.

Numbers never lie

In my opinion, he wrapped up this award in the early part of the season when he led his team back for go-ahead scores against the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.  Although the team went on to lose the Panthers game, his poise and ability to take over the game at his age was remarkable to see.

Then, there was the Week 15 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Tom Brady went beast mode in the team’s final drive of the game.  It was a performance he replicated in the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars…busted hand and all.

Overall, he led the New England Patriots to a 13-3 record with a NFL-leading 4,577 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes.  Through it all, he has been beat up, been without his top targets during stretches of the season, and has faced some indirect criticism for the team’s decision to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

It’s still about the team

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As much as he has accomplished as an individual, much of which we get to see I his docu-series “Tom vs. Time,” he continues to put his team first.

In accepting the award, the man known as the GOAT, credited his teammates for his ability to still compete at such a high level.

"“I am very humbled and honored to accept this award tonight,” Brady said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “In a team sport like football, you certainly can’t achieve anything as an individual without incredible teammates and incredible coaches who have really committed so much to our team this year.  I accept this as an individual award, but to me it is a team award.  And the greatest honor as a team is to be playing in the Super Bowl (Sunday) night, which I am very excited about.  I hope you all enjoy it.  Congratulations to all the other nominees and to all the other award winners.  Thank you very much for your support.”"

Tom Brady also went on to thank his family for all their support and also gave a not to younger players around the league who he looks up to.

Still more to accomplish

In all, the man who has put Avocado ice cream on the map and has showcased pliability through his TB12 method, can still add to his legacy against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.  He has quite the challenge against a very difficult defensive line. But, it’s not something he hasn’t seen before.

Next: New England Patriots: Tom Brady’s top 5 receivers of all time…so far

Like Brady has said prior to the season, he has the answers to the test.  Now is not the time to fail.