Morning sports update: Roger Goodell said Tom Brady is ‘probably the greatest’ ahead of Super Bowl LV
"He’s an exceptional talent, but more importantly, he’s one of the great guys."
Tonight, the Bruins face the Flyers at 7 p.m., while the Celtics face the Clippers at 10 p.m.
And on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., the Buccaneers and Chiefs meet in Super Bowl LV. Kansas City is attempting to become the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the 2003-2004 Patriots.
Roger Goodell on Tom Brady: Given their history with the Deflategate controversy, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell draws attention anytime he speaks about Tom Brady.
On Thursday, during his annual Super Bowl week press conference with reporters, Goodell was asked about Brady.
“Tom Brady has shown that he’s probably the greatest player to ever play this game,” said Goodell. “His ability to rise to the big occasions, and make everybody rise around him. That’s what’s absolutely incredible to me. Everyone just plays better when they’re with him. And so, he’s an exceptional talent, but more importantly, he’s one of the great guys.
“I’ve known him for probably 15 years,” Goodell added. “He’s an extraordinary guy. He’s real, and he cares about this game, deeply. He cares about people involved with the game, so for me, I wish him well. I think he’s going to continue to be a great performer. I’m glad to hear he’s going to play a few more years.”
Trivia: According to Pro Football Reference, three defensive players started for the Patriots in both Super Bowl XXXI and Super Bowl XXXVI. Can you name all three?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: All of them played for multiple AFC East teams in their NFL careers.
More from Boston.com:
- Here’s what Tom Brady said about the New England Patriots throughout the season
- What NFL experts are predicting for the 2021 Super Bowl
- In Tom Brady’s previous Super Bowls, the 4th quarters were packed with drama
- Here’s what Danny Ainge thinks the Celtics need before the NBA trade deadline
- Tom Brady made two very specific requests of his new center Ryan Jensen
- Celtics Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown place fourth in respective positions in first round of All-Star votes
- ‘This is one shot I won’t block’: Bill Russell recorded a COVID-19 vaccine PSA
- Logan Ryan thinks Tom Brady’s example leaving the Patriots could encourage more player power
- Tedy Bruschi continued his criticism of Matthew Stafford, ‘not tough enough to play’ for Patriots
Red Sox prospect Jarren Durán continues to excel in the Caribbean Series
: The 24-year-old centerfielder went 3-4 with a single, double, and home run in Puerto Rico’s 9-8 win over Panama.
Descuentan una los @CriollosCaguas 🇵🇷👏
Cuadrangular del jardinero central Jarren Durán acorta la distancia en el primer inning. 💪#SDCxSky #SKYSportsMx #SerieDelCaribe #Mazatlán2021 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/OV6gjveGS8
— Serie del Caribe (@beisboldecaribe) February 4, 2021
On this day: In 2017, the Patriots fell behind 28-3 to the Falcons in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI.
Mood: pic.twitter.com/AXCzfIpmXK
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) February 6, 2017
As it turned out — despite their predicted chances of victory falling into the single digits — New England wasn’t done.
Tom Brady, James White, and the Patriots’ offense found a rhythm. And thanks to Dont’a Hightower forcing a turnover, New England had enough possessions to complete the comeback.
By the time the Patriots got the ball to start the first Super Bowl overtime in history, the outcome was all but inevitable. James White’s touchdown run capped the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Four years ago today, we witnessed the greatest comeback of all time. pic.twitter.com/SNRpRGYAcT
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 5, 2021
Daily highlight: BYU eventually won the point here, but the sequence is worth watching for the multiple highlight-level plays from both teams.
This rally AND these saves by @BYUwvolleyball‘s Madi Allen?! 🤯#NCAAVB #SCtop10 x 🎥 @WACsports pic.twitter.com/RujkbXx7XN
— NCAA Women’s Volleyball (@NCAAVolleyball) February 5, 2021
Trivia answer: Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy, and Otis Smith.
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