Game for me is super bowl 51. But I’ll pick a moment I’ll remember from this past season-
4th quarter vs Chiefs. Obviously outclassed, but Pats Mounting a comeback, Brady goes back on 3rd down, but gets pressure and scrambles for a first down. Crowd goes nuts—Brady jumps up and does the 1st down motion. As if he can, by sheer will, lift this old and weakened offense to an unlikely win. His sheer passion and enthusiasm, every ounce of will trying to reach back in time and grasp the brilliance of offenses gone by.
Then a cut to Belichick—rather than his usual stoic demeanor , he is enthralled, smiling broadly, pumping fist and does the first down motion with the enthusiasm of TB!
It was a moment in time that captured the essence of Brady—yes, I’ll think of all his brilliance as a QB—but his enthusiasm, and passion is part of what made him such a treat. Snow Bowl spike, so excited, falling down as he celebrated. AFC championship vs KC—ripping off his helmet and jumping with unbridled joy.
He was a cold-blooded assassin. When the proverbial bullets flew and others panicked he thought more clearly, as if instantly calculating what sort of chances he should take. Vs Atlanta he went back under pressure, delivered throws that had to be absolutely perfect - a margin of error that he’d never risk in the 1st period. Calm and resolute he delivered with perfect precision.
But his exuberance, just like a fan—child-like enthusiasm in a close exciting game will always stick.