Google the term “GOAT” – Greatest of All Time – and Tom Brady shows up more than anyone else. More than Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams or Wayne Gretzky – all GOATS in their own right.
Brady returns to the Super Bowl for the tenth time – nobody has ever come even close to that – and for a chance to win a seventh Super Bowl ring. Here are four lessons we can learn from the GOAT among GOATs.
Learn to adapt. After spending 20 years with the New England Patriots, for the first time in his career Brady is playing on a different team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady epitomizes the truth that if you are good at something and have the flexibility to adjust, it doesn’t make a difference what setting you are in.
Here is a man with a different team – a different front-line protecting him, different receivers, different running backs, and different playing conditions – the heat of Tampa versus the frigid cold of New England – and yet he still succeeds. Somehow all these changes have not stopped him from rising to the top once again.
How often do we attribute our lack of success to being in an environment that we’re not used to? Of blaming exterior factors to our inability to achieve?
Brady had every excuse in the world to fail to reach the Super Bowl, especially missing Coach Bill Belichik, but he didn’t take them. All he did was continue his leadership and skill in a completely new setting and team. He worked with a whole new collection of mates to produce the same result – winning.
Poise. When I was watching the NFC championship game between the Green Bay Packers and Tampa, I was amazed at how calm, cool and collected Brady was. He still stands in the pocket completely composed. His perfect passes that float through the air seem effortless in their delivery.
The Talmud says that, “Anyone who tries to force time, time forces him. But anyone who yields to time, time stands still for him.” Ever notice how this is true with all great sports figures? They seem to operate, not at a faster pace than everyone else, but actually at a slower one. Brady, Gretzky, Federer – they are always so unruffled and their movements so even, graceful and elegant.
We also experience this when we get into the “zone” and reach a state of flow where time seems to stand still. Everything slows down when we don’t force time but instead “be in the moment” as they say.
Family: Some very successful people achieve their huge accomplishments at the expense of having no personal or family life. Their family is often sacrificed on the altar of getting ahead in their field (or on the field). Not so with Brady.
After spending days with Tom Brady in the Bahamas, Ben Court wrote in Men’s Health magazine: "He would be the first to tell you that there is no more or less to his reality right now than the sport of football and his family. Whenever Brady talks about his family, which he does easily and without prompting, he comes to life, waving those long arms and breaking into laughter as he describes how each of his kids delights him."
Judaism has always recognized that the most important institution to society’s well being is the family. We have mechanisms not to fall into the trap of forgetting family for career. Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and lifecycle events ensure that we not lose sight of the supreme importance of our loved ones.
Brady may not make Kiddush every week, but maybe his old boss, Robert Kraft conveyed to him this basic Jewish tenet.
And finally…
Never stop believing in yourself – or in another. Cliché? Maybe, but it’s certainly true in Brady’s case. Brady was not born into greatness, he earned it. He was cut from the varsity team in high school, he had to fight for playing time in college, and 198 other players were picked ahead of him in the draft, six of whom were quarterbacks. (Those other six teams kick themselves till this day.) He had ample opportunity to mope or feel sorry for himself and pack it all in. But he didn’t.
And at the age when most people would just retire and hang up their jersey, Brady didn’t listen to the naysayers who said it was time to go. And look where that led him – playing in his tenth Super Bowl game.
Ethics of our Fathers states, “Do not look down upon anyone for everybody has their hour.” Everyone has their time, it’s just that for some it arrives later, and usually when no one else is noticing.
And so it goes, the underdog, the overlooked, the dark horse –so often they become the heroes and winners and take center stage. If quiet, composed, unobtrusive Tom Brady can become the GOAT at what he does, so can we. By embodying the same principles in life we too can hold our trophy high when the Almighty helps us succeed.
(30) Anonymous, February 19, 2021 12:46 PM
The weft & warp of life....
Weft.... horizontal threads that carries less tension and are weaker. Warp... longitudinal threads, held under high tension and are stronger. When I look at underneath a rug, I see a maze of numerous threads and knots with an unknown purpose. BUt onthe upside-the side that G-d sees, there is purpose and design. G-d has a design, G-d has a plan. Stay strong.
(29) Mario Zamora, February 15, 2021 11:25 PM
Tom Brady’s dad
Great writing. Brady was asked once by a child who was the person he admired the most and after choking up some he said that it was his dad. That he always looked up to his dad. Then he left almost crying. That I’m sure explains many things understanding he isn’t perfect either and has made personal mistakes along the way. But then again, who hasn’t?
(28) Melanie Clish, February 14, 2021 10:49 PM
Tom Brady?
It’s hard to believe that you would choose a person of such questionable character in hopes of uniting the Jewish community. Tom Brady is a cheater.
(27) Ivan Ricardo Abauat Calderon, February 11, 2021 9:08 PM
An excellent article !!
In times of political struggles, its always refreshing to read a well structured article like this.
Instead of extolling the player as a unique person, the writer takes the opportunity to show us that the good or bad life we live, depends exclusively on our actions, thoughts and confidence in ourselves !!
(26) Rhonda, February 10, 2021 3:16 AM
About Tom Brady. Very inspirational and wise. Thank you.
(25) Dovid Lazerson, February 10, 2021 3:15 AM
Spot On!
Gr8 article with excellent insight. The only thing I would add is the 5th point: his amazing work ethic! Other players have stated that Brady puts in extra hours of hard work perfecting his craft. Us Buffalonians love to hate Brady and his former dynasty, the Patriots. This is, of course, due to the fact that they beat us way too often the past two decades. But underneath it all, we have nothing but respect and admiration for this superstar. Brady teaches us that we all have to be on our A-game... put our best foot forward, always! No matter who we are and what we do. But y'all watch out cuz my Buffalo Bills and QB Josh Allen are coming on strong! Btw, the Bills bring a 6th element to the table: faith! Together with the five previously mentioned, that's an unstoppable combo.
(24) GORDON BERMENT, February 10, 2021 1:29 AM
Tom Brady
Thank you for making these valid comment .. actually basic principles for life paralleled in jewish teachings. Inspiring!
(23) Jossi Fries, February 9, 2021 4:46 PM
good news
I'm so delighted of hearing that career can be combined with family life.
(22) Abraham Kadushin, February 9, 2021 2:40 PM
Influence of The University of MIchigan
Tom Brady attributes The University of Michigan for attaining his leadership skills as a quarterback. The U of M has been very welcoming to Jewish students and faculty for many years - perhaps his exposure to this environment in Ann Arbor contributed to his GOATness.
(21) Anonymous, February 9, 2021 2:32 PM
Beautiful article
This article is written just at the right time. After reading about Rabbi Dr. Twersky, I am reading about a man who follows what Rabbi Dr. Twersky advises us on how to live a meaningful life.
(20) Anonymous, February 9, 2021 2:14 PM
NEVER Give Up
I had a hard time in my 20s, when I was in Yeshiva and looking to get married. When I spoke at the simcha of the engagement that ensued, I said that that was our task.
To remember that we should NEVER Give Up.
Keep looking and
Keep trying and
Keep going
until you just physically can't any more. (Even then, prayer might help, but...)
That's our task.
To just: Keep on keepin' on.
Best of health to every one!
--rf
(19) Bobby5000, February 8, 2021 9:54 PM
lessons
Football is large a game of speed, skill, and strength. Linemen run slowly, and there was a 360 pound line man who ran a 40 yard dash 5.1 seconds. That was faster than the subject of this article, Tom Brady who ran a 5.28, one of the slowest in history.
The New York Jets had a coach who many did not like who was fired. He ended up coaching Tamp Bay and was responsible for one of the best defensive performances in the Super Bowl.
So people can have hidden skills. Tom Brady was drafted about 200 meaning that people thought there were close to 200 players better than him. So perhaps you should take a look at you know and see whether there are some hidden talents.
(18) Anonymous, February 8, 2021 7:10 PM
"If quiet, composed, unobtrusive Tom Brady can become the GOAT at what he does, so can we."
Tritely inspiring. But please don't say that everyone can become the Greatest Of All Time at what they do. That's impossible! And ridiculous!! Rambam called for moderation. Lehavdil, so do I.
(17) S. K. Eptique, February 8, 2021 7:01 PM
ALL the greats seem to go at a slow pace?
"...all great sports figures seem to operate, not at a faster pace than everyone else, but actually at a slower one. Brady, Gretzky, Federer – they are always so unruffled..."
So misleading! What about Kenyan Drake or Tyreek Hill of the NFL; Jaylen Waddle, Crimson Tide football; Russell Westbrook or Ja Morant of the NBA, And did you ever hear of Usain Bolt -- Not a slow-paced guy
Mario Z, February 15, 2021 11:18 PM
He said “seem”.
(16) Anonymous, February 8, 2021 6:28 PM
Lesson for life
Thank you for putting it all so beautifully and in an aspiring way! Never give up and find your passion accomplish what HaShem bestowed upon you!
(15) Lenore Rutti, February 8, 2021 6:15 PM
I relate to patiently waiting for my dream to come true!
I am a from a family of 8 siblings. FRom 8 siblings our family is now intertwined with 16 nationalities! I believe in one God who loves all people.
My purpose in life has been to volunteer in the Mental Health field...
teaching a family course for NAMI was transforming for me. It has taught me patience dealing with mental illness in my family. MY dream is to stamp out stigma! At 92 years old, I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Oh yes! I have been a fan of Tom Brady for many years. My family lives in New England. I live in Ohio!
(14) MARVIN SILVERSTEIN, February 8, 2021 3:34 PM
this LESSON: Continue Tryin even if >>>
>>> Keep trying even if your OLD & Handicapped as I am age 88 and handicapped. aish.com is read daily.
(13) Debra B, February 8, 2021 2:27 PM
Important life lessons
These are some excellent life lessons to pass on to our children and grandchildren. Thanks for writing this inspiring article!
(12) Odume Collins, February 8, 2021 6:47 AM
The above article is well articulated and apt to teach and encourage all readers as it regards striving to success
(11) Anonymous, February 8, 2021 2:26 AM
Comment
Sorry, this guy cheats. I don’t see anything to admire about him.
Anonymous, February 12, 2021 12:36 AM
Looking for that
I came to this article and this comments section specifically to see if this would be mentioned. It's so shocking and sad that someone of Brady's talent would make an adjustment to the game ball - so unnecessary. He was already considered the GOAT at that time but he decided he take an action to tip the game in his favour regardless. What is the lesson in that?
(10) Bracha Goetz, February 8, 2021 12:10 AM
Great!
(9) Terry Walrath, February 7, 2021 11:15 PM
luck
If Tom Brady had been drafted by the Cleveland Browns, no one would ever remember him. He was lucky to go to the perfect place for him.
(8) Lee Sands, February 7, 2021 11:07 PM
Superbowl
Today is Super Bowl Day.
We should all be proud that six of the NFL teams are owned by Jews.
In fact the Tampa team is owned by the GLazer family who are refugees
from Lithuania.
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!
(7) Heather Greene, February 7, 2021 10:59 PM
He’s a cheater.
You can’t outplay a terrible reputation. When I see or hear Tom Brady’s name all I think of is cheater and selfish. It’s not enough to earn the money he’s earned and it’s not enough to earn the number of rings he’s earned. He still had to be a part of deflating footballs in order to steal a potential win from someone else.
(6) Gary Tolchinsky, February 7, 2021 8:17 PM
What About G-D?
I'm not sure what Tom Brady's spiritual life is like, or what impact it could have on the game. I imagine quarterbacks of varying faith levels have won the Super Bowl. But even with all of Brady's talent and the attributes described above, I feel it's ultimately G-D which determines outcomes even in sports. Who wins or loses could affect the
fortunes of tens of thousands who bet on the game; provide an emotional lift
for the city which wins; or help aish.com readers learn lessons such as those mentioned in the article.
I like when a winning player is interviewed and thanks G-D for helping
him/her win. Of course, the real test would be if the same player thanks
G-D if he/she loses:).
Certainly Brady is a great quarterback and 10 appearances in the Super Bowl
is amazing. But there are other great quarterbacks who didn't make it or
went only once or twice (eg Dan Marino, Brett Favre.) Alas, with thousands
of hours bowl coverage over the past two weeks, I can't recall any panel of
rabbis offering their commentary on such questions or their opinion on the over/under for the game.:)!
(5) Matt Sweetwood, February 7, 2021 6:51 PM
Excellent Read!
Listicles of this type are usually trite. I much appreciated your use of Brady as the literary device to deliver those 4 tenants of finding success.
(4) Andy Boyter, February 7, 2021 6:50 PM
?????????????
Awesome interview, I congratulate the author and finisher of the total truth, wisdom, understanding and knowledge in it. G-d Bless "ALL" who read it ! Amen.
(3) Susanna Zakon, February 7, 2021 6:36 PM
not completely admirable
What about deflating the football?
I guess today, you have to have something about football.
This must be the best,
I think we have better role model for these traits.
Bonnie, February 8, 2021 1:08 PM
I agree....Susanna...100%
Sports has to be deflated? It has become an idol to some?
(2) Anonymous, February 7, 2021 6:18 PM
enjoyed your article Tzvi--hope you and family are well
enjoyed your article
(1) Harry S Pearle, February 7, 2021 4:25 PM
SUPER May Be the Enemy of the GOOD? (See Voltaire)
Thanks for sharing these ideas. But this reminds me of a saying.
I recall speaking to a Rabbi, once, at the Univ. of Rochester.
He gave me the saying, "The best is the enemy of the good"
I wondered if this was a Jewish saying, but it turns out to be from Voltaire.
It suggests to me that striving to be the BEST can be a TRAP.
If we fail to become the best, we may still be useful, and we can keep trying.
Yes, Tom Brady may be one of the all time great quarterbacks,
but what about all the other quarterbacks? Should an average player feel bad?
As a child, growing up, I was not good at any sport. So, I gave up on sports.
Now, I try to take some pride, when I walk a few blocks, each day to a park.
Also, as a student, i was not good at writing, and I gave up on writing.
Now, I try to take some pride in writing, and I try to QUOTE famous writers.
Let's not get caught up in the TRAP of focusing only on GREATNESS, all the time.
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