In a new documentary for ESPN, Tom Brady discusses how very few people - OK, nobody - believed he would one day be a record setter, a two-time NFL MVP and a three-time Super Bowl champion, or, in other words, arguably the best quarterback of all time. What brings him to tears is the notion that 198 other players, and 6 other quarterbacks, were perceived to be better than him, because they were drafted ahead of him out of college. He thought he wouldn’t ever get the chance to prove himself. Luckily, he took advantage of every opportunity he had and became one of the most popular icons in our society today.
THAT’S WHY IT’S SO OUTRAGEOUS THAT HE WOULD DARE CRY ON TELEVISION!
“Coming up on Sportscenter: what in the world does Tom Brady have to cry about?”
Doesn’t he know the sports media is aroused by tears? Doesn’t he understand that he is a model of masculinity? This doesn’t fit that image, Tom.
What bothers me is that this story was introduced pretty much without context. This is the clip where you’re gonna see Tom Brady cry, never, this is a triumphant story of a famous underdog told from a new and creative perspective. And the thing is, this interview is one the most charming, empathic and human portrayals you can find for an athlete of his and stature who, frankly, has a lot of haters.
Only, if you watch the whole piece and not just the part where he cries, you’ll realize Tom Brady loves the haters. They inspire him.
Probably cause they made him cry that one time.
Funny thing is, this isn’t even the biggest, most scrutinized crying-in-sports story in the last six weeks. After a tough regular season loss to the Bulls, Erik Spoelstra (coach of the Miami Heat) threw his team under the bus and flat-out told the media, unprovoked, that some of his players were crying in the locker room. He later called the story “Cry-gate” in the swirl of media intrigue and ridicule.
There are several differences between this and the Tom Brady circumstance. Brady was talking about draft day, one of the most important days of any athlete's career - his did not go well.
And, Tom Brady never did this:
Hugh - Why the 2nd video? It's interesting how men in different contexts are allowed to express themselves? Are there contexts where it would have been okay for him to cry? After a Super Bowl win? Does it matter if it's related to the game rather than personal emotions?
ReplyDeleteHugh -
ReplyDeleteMake sure you tag your posts (future and past ones).
That said, nice post. Do you think there are reasons where it would have been more "acceptable" for him to cry? After winning the Super Bowl? Are emotions tied directly to the game more legit than personal feelings?