SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Opinion

March 1, 2013

Brady takes one for the team|Our view: Brady takes one for the team

The dismal end of the New England Patriots’ 2012 season was one that we would rather forget. But hope always springs eternal in the offseason — even for the Red Sox — and so it is ever hopeful to see that not only will quarterback Tom Brady remain with the Pats, he will also be taking a smaller salary in order to help the team afford A-list players.

Brady has always been the model of a great sports leader. His dedication to perfection, hard work and leadership is undeniable. His talents have made him one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

With all this in his favor, one might expect a prima-donna attitude. But Brady has his priorities, and they are the same priorities that his fans hold — they want to see the Patriots return to the Super Bowl and win it.

Brady has reportedly accepted a three-year contract extension that pays him about $9 million per year. His current four-year contract pays him a guaranteed $12 million, so Brady has left a substantial amount of money on the table for the Patriots management to use for other players. The NFL has a salary cap, so teams are under tremendous pressure to keep spending in line while at the same time offering competitive salaries to star players.

It’s hard to believe, but even at that handsome salary, Brady isn’t the main breadwinner in his household. Brady’s estimated wealth is $100 million. His wife, Gisele Bundchen, is the family’s business mastermind, with an estimated worth of $250 million. Money is obviously not a key motivator for him.

Brady has been criticized of late for not performing at the level that he is capable of. In our opinion, New England sports fans have become spoiled by greatness. We expect perfection. It’s more than we should expect.

Tom Brady has taken one for the team, as they say. We are glad to see that he has chosen to remain a New England Patriot.

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