With apologies to my newest son-in-law, I have to say that I think it’s time for Tom Brady to go. It’s so sad to watch quarterbacks who are no longer at the top of their game but just can’t let go. I know, I know – there are some die-hard New England fans who will dispute my assessment but that really isn’t the point. In almost every profession, there comes a time to leave. There are actors who are no longer suited to the big screen, singers whose voices now betray them, athletes whose bodies have undergone too much wear and tear to function as they originally did. And a wise person recognizes when they are no longer suited to this type of work. It doesn’t mean they aren’t suited to any type of work; but for this particular area, the time has come to move on.
Some sports have clearer boundaries; gymnasts rarely last beyond their early twenties. Some careers allow you to push the boundaries with older actors taking on…well, older roles. Some professionals complain of ageism, a type of discrimination that pushes them out of their jobs long before they feel ready. But perhaps it isn’t all unfair or inappropriate. Perhaps writers for television need a younger perspective to attract the desired audience. I would certainly think that younger firemen have quicker responses and greater physical strength. Even the mind of a mathematician may operate more agilely when younger.
This does not have to be taken as a put-down of the older generation (among whom I now consider myself a card-carrying member). Each generation has its strengths. Ethics of Our Fathers even goes so far as to enumerate the opportunities for each decade of life. The wise person recognizes his or her strengths and makes the most of them while not railing against strengths that no longer exist or opportunities now denied.
Hopefully there is maturity, wisdom, perspective, all sorts of advantages that come with age and experience. This may and does suit us to other jobs (I imagine that many TV stations are eagerly courting Tom Brady to join their sports broadcasting team) but those jobs only arise when we use the same wisdom and maturity to walk away from the ones we are no longer suited to.
Sometimes musicians take farewell tours (even repeated farewell tours!). They can be wonderful, they can be nostalgic, they can be uplifting. They can also be really depressing; if the musician can no longer sing or play well and is just capitalizing on past fame, it is an embarrassing and painful moment for the performer and for his audience. Why should we subject ourselves to that?
I imagine that when the time comes (I certainly don’t acknowledge that I’ve reached that time yet!) that I must relinquish a career I love, I won’t find it easy. I may even feel a little lost, a little adrift, maybe even a lot adrift. I think it can be very challenging – psychologically, emotionally – and often financially. But I also hope I’ll know when it’s time to go, that I won’t hang on long “past my prime”, that people won’t be whispering behind my back that it’s time for me to quit.
And I also hope that I’ll recognize that the Almighty is constantly giving us opportunities to grow, to change to connect to Him and that when it’s time to leave a beloved career, something new and wonderful is just around the corner. As long as we’re open to seeing it, as long as we’re receptive to the possibilities, as long as we continue to ask the Almighty to guide us.
(11) Anonymous, December 27, 2019 5:48 PM
What was your point?
I'm not sure what the point of this article was. I saw the title and was expecting to read about something he did that was maybe anti-jewish, or not good leadership, or some other lesson we could learn from something bad that he did, and that's why you're saying he has to go. But it seems like you're just saying out of nowhere that he's getting too old to play. That's not really your call to make. I'm kind of surprised this article was even published. It's nothing like other Aish articles. I don't see the point of this article at all.
(10) Loring Loding, December 23, 2019 5:18 AM
Not a Brady fan, but!
The Patriots are 12 and 3. I wish my team (Da Bears) had a washed up quarterback like Brady.
(9) LarryB, December 22, 2019 4:09 AM
Who’s your favorite quarterback?
Tom Brady has been to 9 Super Bowls winning for the 6th time just last year. He became the first player in history to win six Super Bowls. Other teams have done the same but he’s the first player. Brady won’t have to retire, his team will retire him. Pick almost any actor or famous musician and you would probably have a point.
(8) Chana65535, December 20, 2019 5:23 PM
So what you are saying is...
... TB12 - go up to the mountain, and be gathered to the HOF...
(7) Anonymous, December 20, 2019 12:49 AM
Tom Brady knows Tom Brady best.
At the end of the 2017 season Tom said, I will probably play a couple more seasons. At the begining of this season he said, I plan on playing another 2-3 seasons. Right now he is 42 years old, and knows himself better than any one else does. He trains harder now than he did in the past-he knows that he is the oldest player in the NFL. ( or next to the oldest ) credit due where credit is due, he is on the way to being the BEST quarter back in NFL history! Don't begrudge him of that! Let his hard work be admired-he deserves it!!
(6) Mario, December 19, 2019 10:40 PM
No numbers?
I kept reading and reading expecting this emotionally-based piece to include numbers proving a decline in Brady’s job but never found them. I guess the request to Brady is just a purely emotional one. I don’t think it will work but nice try.
(5) Lawrence Zupan, December 19, 2019 9:03 PM
Brady Has a Lot of Football, left in him
Dear Emuna, While it was clever of you to use Tom Brady to make your very worthwhile points about transitions and stages of life, there is one big problem you have. You are simply wrong about Tom Brady. It seems you may be getting your info second hand or you would know: In his last defeat, four passes were dropped by receivers which I could have caught; Next the officials were so inept as to deny the Patriots not one, but two touchdowns. Next, TB has had to make do with a rotating patchwork of receivers. I’m sorry, Emuna, if you are looking for has-been’s to hold up as examples for your essays, maybe try, oh, say, Nancy Pelosi. Regards, Lawrence Zupan
(4) Arthur Stern, December 19, 2019 8:16 PM
The evidence of Tom Brady’s 11-3 record clinching a playoff spot is contrary to your recommendation. Furthermore Tom Brady’s magic is demonstrated during the end of season especially the playoffs. The Judge and Jury ought not make findings until all the evidence is in. Chanukah Samaech
(3) Dave, December 19, 2019 7:19 PM
What??
He won yet another super bowl just LAST YEAR. It’s there a possible slight decline. Possibly. But he is definitely NOT the example to be using for this article. Maybe The Who would be a much better example. Btw I love how the comments here are saying “he could still start for half/most of the teams in the nfl.” Are you insane?? He could still start for ANY team in the NFL.
(2) Austin Kuder, December 19, 2019 3:58 PM
he is not the best anymore. So what?
It is possible for New England to have a better quarterback than Tom Brady but not likely. He is still among the best. His shortcomings are becoming more pronounced the older he gets. He is slower than some QBs but in the pocket, he is as good as any.
Don't worry, Belechick will not keep him if he has a better alternative, but he does need to look.
(1) Anonymous, December 15, 2019 11:06 PM
Really, Emuna?
His team won the Super Bowl last season. His team is currently 11-3 and is tied for the second best in the NFL (pending outcome of the 49ers game). He would probably start for half the teams in the NFL right now. He may decide on his own to retire but I don’t think professional, unsolicited advice given from afar is necessarily useful or wise. He should consult his inner self, his family and his closest friends about his next step. I’ve seen athletes play past their prime and singers sing when they don’t have it anymore. It is painful but there’s nothing compelling us to watch. And I am no Patriots fan.
Alan S., December 16, 2019 12:19 AM
I agree!
Rebbitzen Braverman usually writes a 'timely' article.
But not with Tom Brady as the example for this article.
I agree with the Rebbitzen that it can be painful to watch or see an actor or singer or sports person stay too long. This applies to any professional. But this is clearly not true about Tom Brady. I am not enamored of the way that the Patriots run their team -- I am not a Patriots fan -- but Brady still is clearly a top rated quarterback, and could start for most teams. He also has way too much intelligence to know when not to overstay his welcome.