Tom Brady once shared his high school story on how he developed as a player: "I was never a prodigy"
Tom Brady, a former Michigan Wolverines icon, did not begin as the starting quarterback for the team when he played from 1995 to 1999. He saw limited time in the first two years when he served as Brian Grese's backup.
When he sat down for an interview with entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David in September 2023, he discussed the struggles he faced as a college player and how he helped himself overcome the adversities to become one of the best QBs in the game.
Bet-David asked Brady if there had been a moment during his high school days when he felt very confident. The former New England QB said that the reality was the opposite for him. He said:
"It developed over a period of time and I think there was a work ethic that was in me. I think most people probably know a few things about me but I was never, I would say, like a prodigy, you know. I wasn't like the kid where you see Tiger Woods swinging on the Johnny Carson show at two or three years old. (0:24)"
"I saw myself as someone who probably has some other traits that maybe were hard to identify but that were really sustainable over time. (0:45)"
Tom Brady credited his parents for making him a better football player
When Tom Brady served as the backup to Griese, he combined 15 of 20 passes for 129 yards and one interception. After becoming the starter in 1998, he threw for a career-high of 2,639 yards and 15 touchdowns. Then during his senior year, he threw for 2,586 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading Michigan to a 10-2 record.
Brady credits his success to his parents. In the same interview, Tom Brady elaborated:
"Work ethic and discipline that was instilled in me by my parents. I mean, there was part of it that they gave me but also just behaviorally growing up in an environment where my dad was out there to work every morning, trying to make a living for our family and my mom woke up every day trying to figure out how to make sure the home was comfortable for us. (1:00)"
With the help of his parents and gaining confidence over time, Tom Brady was able to become a college star who helped Michigan win the 2000 Orange Bowl.