New England Patriots - NESN.com
Wednesday marked the 24th anniversary of a day that forever changed the course of New England Patriots history.
On Sept. 24, 2001, Drew Bledsoe got knocked out of the game after taking a devastating hit from New York Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. The Patriots turned to Tom Brady, who led the organization to their first of six Super Bowl titles that season.
Brady recalled that moment on Fox Sports’ “Story Time With Tom.” He remembered going through conflicted emotions given the circumstances behind his opportunity.
“Hard to forget that day for a lot of reasons,” Brady said. “Everyone has their unique path in their own journey in their career, and mine started that day. I was obviously super concerned about Drew, but I also knew we had a job to do, too. I ran out on the field, and there was a lot of intent to go out there and be the best I could be for my team.
“I was really prepared for that moment.”
Brady learned from his college career at Michigan to stay ready for whenever his number got called. Playing in front of massive crowds at Ann Arbor also prepared him for the NFL spotlight.
“It ended up being a fairy-tale end to the season, so you can never predict how the seasons go,” Brady said. “All you can do is try to put as much work into it in advance and prepare as hard as you can every day, because you don’t understand when you’re going to get your chance. You always have to be ready for the opportunity to strike.”
The former sixth-round pick “never would have imagined” all the legendary success that followed when he stepped onto the field 24 years ago.
“I went to the Patriots and was very fortunate to have the best teammates and mentors there,” Brady said. “And then I think we won a few games. I don’t remember all of them, but I think we won some big ones there.”
