Tom Brady: Fashion Icon?

We all known Tom Brady is at the top of his game when it comes to football, but he’s also at the top of the fashion game. The evolution of Brady’s look has come with his rise to fame and the influence of his supermodel wife. He went from an awkward-looking kid at the NFL Combine to one of Sports Illustrated’s 2018 Most Stylish Athletes. The almost 41-year-old always gives us a show on the field and off the field gives us outfit inspiration.

Tom Brady at the 2000 NFL Draft Combine

The 2018 Most Fashionable Athletes list is created by style experts and Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Most Fashionable Player Victor Cruz. They say of Brady, “Whether he’s flanked by his supermodel wife on the red carpet or stepping off a plane en route to a game, the 40-year-old quarterback has kept up his easygoing style during his 18 years in the NFL.”

While some athletes like to keep it casual for post-game press conferences and interviews, many players show their personalities with what they wear. New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. caught the top spot on this year’s most fashionable list. Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics also made the list for having an effortlessly cool sense of style.

Brady’s Style

Number 12 has evolved his style, and his hair, during his almost two decades in the league. He admits that often his wife Gisele Bundchen picks out his outfits, but he created some of his own looks as well. Remember that time he single-handedly brought back turtlenecks?! In the past Brady has been the face of Ugg Australia, Tag Heuer and keeps his sneaker game fresh with his deal with Under Armour.

Tom Brady before Super Bowl LII (NFL)

His boldest fashion choices have come at the MET Gala and the Kentucky Derby. At these events he is able to take fashion to the next level and surprise people with his wardrobe choices.

Brady and Gisele Bunchen at the 2018 Met Gala (Sports Illustrated)

Brady and Bundchen at the 2013 Met Gala (Getty Images)

David Ortiz and Tom Brady at the 2017 Kentucky Derby

Belichick: A Fashion Influencer

Brady does not just get fashion advice from his wife Gisele Bundchen. Bill Belichick also seems to influence Brady’s wardrobe. Belichick is not known for his impeccable sense of style, but fans always recognize his signature cut-off hoodie look. Brady is known to copy this fashion choice from time to time.

Not all of Brady’s outfits are home runs (or should I say touchdowns), but whether you love them or hate them you’re bound to have an opinion on his wardrobe choices.

Is it too early to get excited for football season to start? No? Okay good, because training camp is right around the corner.

Patriots Announce First Public Training Camp

The New England Patriots recently announced the date of their first public training camp. Fans are already getting excited to see football at Gillette again. The first public practice will take place on Thursday, July 26. The team has not announced information about their stadium practices yet.

Patriots announce that their first public training camp practice is scheduled for Thursday, July 26. This year marks the 59th annual training camp for the Patriots, including their 16th consecutive camp at Gillette Stadium.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 21, 2018

Making the Most of Training Camp

Training camp is a great opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and see some football. Usually if you want to see Brady & Co. play it is going to cost you, but training camp gives you a free alternative. Dates that are open to the public are on the Patriots’ website. If you are going to training camp for the first time this year, I have a few tips on how to make your experience the best possible.

The practice is held on the field beside the stadium with limited bleachers. You can try and snag a seat there, but sitting on the grass gives just as good of a view. Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and lots of water to stay hydrated in the Foxborough heat.

If you are bringing your kids make sure to check out all the activities they have around the field and in the parking lot. Every year they add something new to entertain fans. Many players come up to rope separating the fans from the field to sign autographs after the game, so bring a sharpie if getting a signature is your goal. Be sure to grab a roster from the Gillette workers to keep track of the new guys.

Make a day of it. Patriots Place is home to many restaurants, shops, and bakeries, making it a great place to walk around for the day. While you’re there head over to The Patriots Hall of Fame to take a picture with the Lombardi Trophies and try on a Super Bowl ring.

Views From Training Camp

To show just how close you can get to the action here are two photos I took at last year’s training camp:

I started going to training camp since I was young, and it has always been a fantastic time. It’s a great way to get excited for the upcoming season. Younger fans sit in awe as they are able to see their sports heroes only a few yards away. It is a great alternative if you cannot make it to a game this season.

Julian Edelman weighed in after the news broke yesterday that he faces a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance- enhancing substance policy. The suspension is under appeal but if it does not get overturned Edelman will be missing the first four regular season games.

The Statement

Number 11 took to Instagram (@edelman11) to apologize to the Kraft family, the coaches, his teammates and the fans. He posted this message on his Instagram story:

2018 Season

He notes that no matter what happens, he will be ready to go for the season, whether that be game one or game five. He told fans that he looks forward to pursing another championship run with the New England Patriots, but cannot speak too much on the matter of the suspension at this time.

The name of the prohibited substance allegedly used has not been released.

The Patriots may have to start another season without one of Tom Brady’s go-to guys. According to league sources, Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy. Edelman has taken hundreds of drug tests in the past, and this is his first issue with the results.

Patriots WR Julian Edelman is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substances policy, league sources tell @FieldYates and me. Suspension is under appeal.

More now on ESPN’s NFL Live.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2018

If the suspension stands, Edelman will miss the first four weeks of the regular season. This means he will not take part in the Patriots’ season opener at Gillette against the Houston Texans, two away games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Detroit Lions, and a home game against the Miami Dolphins.

Edelman’s Impact

There is no doubt that Edelman is a difference maker for the Patriots offense, and the numbers show that his presence on the field will be missed. Brady’s touchdown to interception ratio is 5.9 with Edelman on the field, and 4.7 without him. Brady’s quarterback rating also takes a slight hit without Number 11 present, dropping from 79 to 65.

The results of the appeal are forthcoming, and there is no information about what drug caused Edelman to fail the test. It is rare to get a suspension like this overturned, but that does not mean it is impossible. Richard Sherman was successful in his appeal against a four-game suspension in 2012. If Edelman does not overturn the suspension, he is also looking at losing almost $500 thousand in addition to to the hit to his reputation that will come with the charges.

Edelman suffered a season ending injury during the 2017 preseason game against the Detroit Lions. MRI’s confirmed he had torn his right knee and had to sit out during the entirety of the season. Edelman has since recovered from the injury and participated in OTAs and minicamp with the team.