A football legend is recognizing a football legend. David Beckham has penned an essay for Time 100 about Tom Brady. Here’s what he had to say.
Legendary Athletes.
When Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe in 2001, Beckham was on top of the sports world. He was fresh from winning his third consecutive league title for Manchester United, a tenure later immortalized in Bend it Like Beckham. Beckham played for multiple teams before retiring in 2013. Brady, famously, is still a reigning champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his essay, Beckham writes that he’s been a longtime admirer of Brady’s. “when I came to the States to live and play football, I became a true fan. I’m proud that I also get to call him a great friend.” Beckham moved to the States in 2007 to play for the LA Galaxy, and Brady had already won three Super Bowls at that point.
Universal Appeal
Brady has the nickname the “GOAT” for a reason: he’s among the greatest and most successful athletes that has ever lived. Beckham eloquently likens him to fellow masters Roger Federer and Michael Jordan: “Tom Brady is an iconic sportsman whom people know, see and admire. Even if you don’t follow American football, you want to watch Tom Brady play.” He comically adds that part of his appeal is “because he’s so goddamn good-looking!”
Beckham discusses Brady’s neverending list of achievements: seven Super Bowl victories, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and 10 Super Bowl appearances. The kindest words are reserved for the ending, where the hall of famer says Brady is the “peak of athletic excellence.” He calls Brady “one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play American football” and “a true competitor.”
‘A Personal Hero’
Brady is “a personal hero of mine,” Beckham concludes. He finally extols Brady for not just being a great sportsman, but also a “great human being, a great father, family man, friend, and partner. He’s simply the best.” Brady’s story is still unfished, for he and the Buccaneers are favorites to win another Super Bowl this year.
As for Beckham, he has much to celebrate in his own right. His son Brooklyn will soon get married to The Last Airbender star Nicola Peltz. While tabloids may attack his marriage to Victoria constantly, none of those stories are remotely accurate. He and Victoria are as happy as ever now that he’s settled into retirement. One can’t help but wonder when, if ever, Brady will join him.