Tom Brady described his relationship with the media
Under the tutelage of Bill Belichick, the Patriots have stayed rather tight-lipped when speaking to the media. And straying from the playbook of succinct, football-focused answers has typically only led to trouble for players in the past. Just ask Wes Welker about his foot fetish press conference or Tom Brady about his pregame drinking advice.
While Brady may occasionally brush off a question during interviews — or may not offer the most colorful commentary even when he does answer — the quarterback said he understands where reporters are coming from. Calling the gig “very challenging,” Brady expressed a “very healthy respect” for members of the media in a conversation with Westwood One’s Jim Gray on Monday night.
“They’re just trying to do their job. I’ve always felt that way,” he told Gray. “Dealing with pro athletes I’m sure isn’t the easiest thing in the world. We’re not always the most forthcoming with information. I do my best to treat them obviously with respect and give them the courtesy they deserve.”
“I know that they’re trying to do the best they can do, so I try to give them so enlightening answers to help write their story, while also not really giving away much information to my opponents,” Brady continued. “Because I want our opponents to try to figure out our strengths and weaknesses and things we’re changing on a weekly basis.”
As for whether the media, or other players, ever get under his skin? The answer is a confident no.
“Only I can get into my head,” Brady said. “It’s pretty hard for anybody to get in there.”
“Whatever other people, do, or say, or think, it really doesn’t bother me that much. Just because I don’t want to subject myself to other people’s criticisms or praises,” he continued. “I think when you let other people control how you feel based on what they think or say, you give away a lot of your power.”
The 40-year-old five-time Super Bowl champion emphasized that the sole opinions that he cares about are from the “people who are really close to [him] and know who [he is]” and what he represents. In turn, Brady said he tries to “represent them very well, especially in a public setting.” In addition to his close relationships, Brady said his other focus is on doing his job the best he can.
“What really matters is the scoreboard at the end of the game,” he said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do: score more points than the other team.”
