Tom Brady arrived at University of Michigan 1996 with Little Fanfare, really nothing that would indicate that he would continue to become the legendary NFL -quarter hill we know today. At that time, Brady was a relatively unmatched recruitment, largely overshadowed by other more high -profile players. His early years with Michigan Wolverines were challenging, and for much of his first two seasons he sat on the bench, sometimes moved to the fourth string. Although he was surrounded by talented quarterbacks, Brady remained patience, but those years were far from simple. He was often frustrated and questioned whether he would transfer to another school where he can have more chance of playing.

At one point, the idea seemed to leave and start fresh somewhere closer to the home appealing. But through endurance and support from his coaches, teammates and Michigan’s famous sports psychologist Greg Harden, Brady changed his perspective. The hard, who had helped so many athletes before him, helped Brady see the situation differently and encouraged him to focus on controlling what he could and improve every day. He advised him to develop mental toughness, trust the process and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, rather than live on what was beyond his control. Brady took this advice to the heart, and slowly but certainly his work ethics and ways of thinking began to change.

“Soon I got four reps. Since 10, and before you knew it with this new way of thinking that Greg had set me – to focus on what you can control, to focus on what you get, not what anyone else is , to treat every representative as it is Super Bowl – I hired the starter.

– Tom Brady

During its third year, the Brady Start became -quarter hill for Wolverines. But it was not just his performance in the field that separates him-it was his leadership. During his older year, Brady was honored to be appointed for the team captain, a role that he considers to be one of the most important achievements throughout his career. Becoming the captain was proof of the respect he had earned from his teammates, coaches and the entire Michigan program. It was during the last season that Brady really began to realize his potential and take control of his future.

After four years at Michigan, where he played a key role in winning a national championship in 1997, Brady was prepared in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft by New England Patriots. Although a sixth round was not a glamorous start, Brady’s determination, driving force and hunger was unmatched after success. The early lessons he learned at Michigan – mental toughness, leadership and resilience – would serve him well in the NFL.

The rest, as they say, is history. Brady went on to build one of the most famous careers in the history of professional football, became a seven times Super Bowl champion and is generally considered the biggest quarterback of all time. Despite his extraordinary success, Brady never forgets where it all started. His time at Michigan lays the foundation for everything that came after, and he continues to express his gratitude for the lessons he learned and the opportunities he had in Ann Arbor. Brady’s story is proof of the power of endurance, the value of leadership and the lasting impact that College sports may have on shaping a person’s future.

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