Why Devin McCourty says the Patriots are spoiled by Tom Brady
"I think we’re so used to that."
In May, Jim Gray asked Tom Brady if the Patriots quarterback felt the organization had “the appropriate gratitude” for what he has achieved in New England. Brady plead the fifth, before adding that “everybody in general wants to be appreciated more.”
On Wednesday at a Gillette Stadium press availability ahead of training camp, one of No. 12’s teammates lent some credence to the idea that his talents are taken for granted. A reporter asked safety Devin McCourty what comes to mind as he watches Brady grind away in his 19th season.
“I think we’re spoiled, though,” he replied. “I think we’re so used to that. You don’t think about it. Tom is who Tom is. You know, every day you know you’re going to get him in here early, leaving late, working hard, encouraging guys.”
McCourty noted his eldest colleague has always set an example that never required picking Brady’s brain. If you watch a five-time Super Bowl champion perform at full speed early on in camp, everyone else knows where the bar has been set.
“It’s so normal for especially a guy like me,” McCourty said. “It’s my ninth year, so I’ve gotten to watch that nine years in a row that I don’t even think about it. But, as you said, to see him still grinding, I don’t know if I could pull that off for 19 years.”
David Andrews has had three seasons to watch — and protect — Brady. The center acknowledged it’s “kind of crazy” to see the quarterback possess the same drive after all he’s accomplished. Like McCourty, Andrews has learned a lot from just watching Brady work at his craft.
“Yeah, you know, you’ve got to have a lot of respect for that guy,” he said.
Matthew Slater, for one, is still taking the time to pause and appreciate Brady.
“I’m thankful to learn from him as a professional and see the way he goes about his craft,” Slater said. “To see his desire to prepare himself so that he can be successful — it’s really something to watch. I’m thankful to be witnessing greatness.”
