Tag Archives: #GOAT

Rob Gronkowski Feeling 100 Times better than last year

Last offseason Rob Gronkowski found himself at a cross-road. Another last second Super Bowl Hail Mary, another incompletion. The word retirement came up post game to shock Patriot nation. Gronkowski was weighing his options. Understandable after a loss like that.

He says he feels 100 times better this year. Gronk had a monster season in 2017, tallying 69 receptions totaling 1,084 yards and 8 TD’s. We may see the best year he’s had as a Patriot.

Photo by Associated press/Fulton Sun.

GRONKOWSKI FEELING IT IN 2018

The All World TE spoke recently about the difference between last year and 2018. Which by Patriots standards is out of the norm. Bill Belichick has the team accustomed to forgetting about the past, but this relates more to Gronkowski’s mindset, not a game.

Since returning to camp he seems to be very clear-headed and engaged. Especially compared to where his mind was at this time last year.

”I just love playing the game” Gronk says, “I feel good right now. I definitely feel like 100 times better than I did last year during training camp” Gronk continues unlike a usual Patriots press conference. “When you’re feeling good, you love playing the game. I felt good enough to where I thought I could come back, go through the whole season, go throughout the camp and just keep playing the game and be enjoying it. That’s how it’s been and when you’re enjoying the game, and feeling good, you just love playing the game. It’s just something when you’re out on the field, like your mind is just in another place because you’re just focusing on what you got to do”

ROB GRONKOWSKI STILL LEARNING

During a recent interview Rob Gronkowski says he is learning as the seasons pass, and his football IQ is already very high. Learning how to be better coupled with “feeling 100 times better than last year” may lead some to suspect this might be Gronk’s greatest season yet.

Staff photo by John Wilcox.

Gronk talked about keeping his body in shape, now that he’s older he is doing things much differently. He continues his response.

“Like I said, I just try to focus on my body every single day like after practice now and just try to get better every day and get the recovery going ASAP, right after the meetings and stuff so you feel good the next day.” “There’s times I remember when I was back rookie year, second year, you would just practice, go to meetings and you would do absolutely nothing“

Gronkowski is focused on staying healthy, and feeling 100 times better than last year. He’s going to have to keep that mindset as he will be the focal point of this team’s passing attack moving forward.

Lionel Messi’s Impact On The World Is Unparalleled

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The Messi effect is one that has impacted people worldwide. Whether it be attracting crowds, inspiring children, or jersey sales, people can’t seem to get enough of the Argentinian phenom. There’s a reason why Lionel is very often, and rightly so, involved in the talk to be the greatest football player in the world.

Messi’s Reputation is Worldwide

Messi has spent his entire career in Barcelona, but he is still world renown. He has led the world in jersey sales the last few years and is followed everywhere. No matter where he plays, a crowd will follow at the sound of his name. A big example of this was in 2016 at Gillette Stadium, a place that barely averages 20,000 spectators for MLS games. In 2016, Argentina played Venuzuala and sold 59,183 tickets. Being in attendance myself, the commotion every time Messi touched the ball was absurd. People rose out of their seats when he took a corner. Messi is just one player on a team, but it doesn’t take an expert to know he is the centerpiece.

There have been borderline riots over people who have been mistaken as Lionel Messi. In 2017, a 25 year old student in Pakistan was detained for disturbing the public because he looked like the star. Who could forget the 6 year old boy who gained fame after making a makeshift Argentina jersey out of a plastic bag? Lionel went on to walk out onto the pitch with the 6 year old during a friendly in Qatar.

Respect

Lionel Messi has turned himself and his team into a tourist attraction. In fact, some people claim Messi ruined the atmosphere of Barcelona games by turning Camp Nou from a football stadium into a tourist attraction.

The coversation about Messi cannot be had without mention of his undeniable rain of success. He has notched nine league championships, six Spanish cups, five Ballon d’Or, and many more championships. His claim to fame is much deserved. There’s a reason why Messi is the highest paid athlete in the world, earning $84,000,000 a year. The fact that Messi started off in Barcelona’s academy team and has been a member of the Barcelona squad his whole career is just icing on the cake.

Tom Brady – The Ultimate Fighter

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Tom Brady is ready to embark on his next challenge this September. He will have to overcome many different obstacles along the way. This is nothing new to Brady though; he’s been fighting his way toward greatness his entire life and it won’t change in 2018.

FROM THE BEGINNING

Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

His fight for football greatness began in high school, where Brady wasn’t good enough to be the starter on a winless team that had zero touchdowns. He eventually got the starting job as a junior and held it until he graduated. Brady wasn’t getting much attention from colleges during his senior year, so he made highlight tapes of himself to send to schools he wanted to attend. Tom’s tapes worked, as many different colleges around the country started showing interest. Tom decided on the University of Michigan, which again led Brady into another battle he would have to fight. Starting his college career, Tom was once again a backup for 2 years. It’s hard to believe now, but the GOAT was seventh on the Wolverines depth chart at one point. He continued his hard work, eventually moving up the depth chart-only to have to share time with Drew Henson. Brady was still fighting for his position, leading his team to multiple comebacks, earning the nickname of the Comeback Kid along the way. He won the Orange Bowl in Tom Brady fashion, leading his team back from two 14 point deficits. Sound familiar, Patriot fans?

TOM TAKES HIS TALENTS TO THE PATS

Courtesy of the Boston Globe

After fighting his way through high school and college, Tom’s professional start would be more of the same. With his combine performance not going over well with scouts, he had to sit and wait while 198 other players were drafted ahead of him. His deeply ingrained work ethic helped him move up the Patriots depth chart from number four to Drew Bledsoe’s backup. After Mo Lewis knocked Bledsoe out, Brady’s hard work was about to pay off. He saw his opportunity and would fight harder than ever to not be a backup again. Five Super Bowls and three MVPs later, Tom Brady is now fighting against something that has never been defeated.

FATHER TIME

Brady has been beating Father Time for a few years now, winning SBs at ages 37 and 39. He was MVP of the league at 40 while breaking his own SB records. It seems to be pushing it, right? Well not for this guy. He’s always found a way to beat whatever was in front of him. Brady’s turning 41 in August. With no Julian Edelman for a month, a whole new cast of teammates, and nature doing its thing, this will be Tom’s biggest fight. I expect the same results from the man who can’t seem to lose. We have been and are watching the greatest QB and fighter the NFL has ever seen. Brady will not stop until he gets what he needs, and that’s the next ring. Brady’s on a mission for more SBs, and we get to watch history. Make no mistake about Tom Brady; he wasn’t handed anything. He’s earned it.

Q&A with Patriots Offensive Lineman LaAdrian Waddle

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photo cred- www.zimbio.com

This past week I had the opportunity to connect with New England Patriots offensive lineman LaAdrian Waddle via Facebook. LaAdrian is a cool dude and simply posted the question, “what is ok to mix with your eggs?”, in which I put my two cents into his discussion. We had a back and forth that eventually turned into a quick Q&A. Shout out to LaAdrian for taking the time to answer my questions, and to Boston Sports Extra for giving me the opportunity to write for them and reach out to players and be able to speak with them on a level I never thought I could.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with LaAdrian, this dude is a MONSTER. He stands at 6’6 and weighs in at 315 pounds. In other words, the dude is a mack truck. LaAdrian is a Texas native who played his college ball at Texas Tech University, the same college as former Patriot receivers Wes Welker and Danny Amendola. The big man went undrafted out of college and signed on with the Detroit Lions before being cut after an injury ruined his 2014 campaign. He was eventually signed by the Pats and recently re-signed after testing out free agency (Dallas showed interest). We are glad to have him back.

NOW, LETS GET DOWN TO THE Q & A SHALL WE?

Q: What is your all time favorite meal or food?

A (LaAdrian): “Chinese food”

-Not a bad choice at all big fella.

Q: Do you have any superstitions or rituals you carry out before a game?

A: “Nope”

– A man of few words… Nothing wrong with keeping it short and sweet!

Q: Favorite artist out right now if you had to choose one?

A: “Juicy J”

– Okay, can’t lie on this one bud… JUICY J?!? I was hoping for J.Cole, Post Malone, or Kendrick Lamar… But JUICY J? COME ON MANNNNNNN.

Q: Favorite movie of all time, and are you big into the Avengers movies?

A: “Haven’t seen the Avengers yet but I do like all those movies. Don’t really have one favorite movie, just a long list of ones I like.”

– Much respect for being an Avengers/Marvel fan, but everyone has ONE favorite / go to movie, don’t they?!

Q: It seems like Fortnite is the new craze hitting college dorm rooms, living rooms, and even locker rooms. Has it hit your home yet? Are you part of the Fortnite frenzy?

A: “Yeah I be on there getting beat by little kids”

– I feel your pain brother… I’d laugh but honestly the same happens to me, hence why I stopped playing the game…. Damn kids and their video games!

Q: For the most part do you enjoy living in New England?

A: “It’s alright minus the brutal winters. Boston is a cool city but I’m not about that traffic”

– Traffic in Boston… You don’t say?! I hear ya bro, Boston is a great city to be in but I am all set with traffic on a daily basis too big guy!

Q: Who do you got winning the NBA Finals? Give me your “expert” prediction

A: ” Rockets vs Celtics….Rockets win in 7″

– Wow, okay big man. I can’t say I don’t like the picks… Even with Kyrie and Gordon injured I think we still take the East but lose to the West… But my pick is Golden State

Q: Who would you choose as your favorite college teammate at Texas Tech and your favorite teammate on the Patriots?

A: “I’ve had a bunch of great teammates over the years. That’s what makes this game so special.”

– Kept it humble and to a minimum, so no feelings were hurt. I see what you did there!

Q: What is your most memorable moment playing in the NFL?

A: “Playing in Super Bowl LI”

– Cant lie, Super Bowl LI is one of my favorites as a fan too… FALCONS BLEW A 28-3 LEAD… #NeverForget

Q: What ultimately lead to you re-signing with the Patriots? Was it playing for another ring? Playing with Tom and for Bill?

A: “It was the best situation”

– Okay, easy to see Belichick has these guys trained well when it comes to giving answers! NOT EVEN MAD ABOUT IT.#InBillWeTrust

Q: Who are your most competitive teammates on the Patriots on both sides of the ball?

A: “If you’re a Patriot, you’re competitive lol”

– I think he is under the impression I’m trying to set him up. Don’t worry big fella, I see what your doing. I wouldn’t get you in trouble with the locker room!

Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

A: “Have the best season of my career and help this team win a bunch of big games”

– I cant argue with that big man, do your job right?! I like the sound of that!

Q: We all see how crazy Tom Brady is about winning but from your perspective being inside the locker room and being on his side of the ball at practice and during games, just how crazy is he and do you consider him the GOAT like many of us do?

A: ” The reason you play is to win! He is the GREATEST”

-Basically confirmed what we ALL already know… Brady is a MANIAC and he is truly the G.O.A.T.

photo credit- www.nesn.com

This concludes my Q & A with LaAdrian Waddle. Again, I want to give a big shout out to him for taking the time to answer these and give me some insight on him as a person and as a football player. Stay tuned for more to come! Check out Boston Sports Extra on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more articles from our talented and knowledgeable writers!

GO PATS!

Should Alex Guerrero Be Allowed to Work with the Patriots?

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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Alex Guerrero: Health Guru / Locker Room Menace

This past season for the New England Patriots was filled with more drama involving its own clubhouse than I can ever remember in recent history. The drama started to unfold when Seth Wickersham cited a rift between Kraft, Belichick, and Tom Brady. The drama stemmed back to one man: Alex Guerrero.

For those not familiar with Mr. Guerrero, he is Tom Brady’s trainer, health guru, close personal friend, and now ENEMY of Bill Belichick. The Wickersham report basically stated that Belichick was unhappy with Guerrero’s presence in the clubhouse and on the sidelines, which ultimately lead to a ban him from being associated with the Patriots. To no one’s surprise this did not settle well with TB12, who loves having this guy around. Let’s face it, he played an ENORMOUS role in saving Tom’s career.

SIDE NOTE – Not sure if anyone noticed in Tom vs Time, but EVERY TIME Brady got treatment at the Patriots facility, it appeared to be on a massage bed in some sort of luxury suite.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Should He Be Allowed to Work with the Team?

The question football fans have surrounding this situation is an easy one: is Bill taking this entire situation too far? My answer is simple. Yes, he is going WAY too far with this one, and usually I don’t question The Hoodie (unless it comes to sitting Malcolm in the Super Bowl). But I have to question this decision from an outsider’s standpoint.

It has been speculated that not only Tom, but other Patriot players have reached out to Alex for help with battling injuries or his health methods. Guys like Jimmy G, Gronk, Julian Edelman, and now Malcolm Mitchell have been reported as other players seeking for Guerrero’s guidance and methods. Don’t get me wrong, I can understand Bill’s perspective behind banning Alex from the locker room because he doesn’t want to undermine the trainers. But guess what Bill: TIMES CHANGE, METHODS CHANGE, THINGS CHANGE. If certain guys want to enhance their health and ability to perform on the field and for the good of the team, then let them. Nothing wrong with new methods.

Malcolm Mitchell, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski do have something in common with Tom Brady, and that is INJURIES. These three guys knew beforehand about Tom tearing his ACL and also being 40 years of age, yet still playing at the highest level imaginable. Why wouldn’t these guys want to seek help from the same man who put Tom’s health and training over the edge? With Julian tearing his ACL too, and the numerous injuries Gronkowski has sustained, why wouldn’t they want to get better and improve for the long-term? It’s a NO BRAINER! Let these guys do what they have to do! And let’s immediately get them some avocado ice cream!

photo credit- @OnlyInBos

Closing Argument

Since working with Guerrero, Tom Brady has been an absolute mad man. A man on a mission. An old dog still in the fight, and off his chain. The last thing I want to do is upset the Greatest of All Time. Brady has credited his recent success in large part to Alex and the worth ethic that he has. A no days off mentality, and boy has it showed. Tom is going to be 41 and is still THE BEST QB in the NFL.

I 100% back Tom in this decision and hope Bill doesn’t ruin relationships over Alex and his methods. Alex should just be hired by the team and guys who want to train with him can do so. There’d be no chastising like Rob Gronkowski dealt with in a locker room incident. Tom, Bill, and Robert Kraft have built a legacy together here in New England. One can only assume they won’t let a trainer get in between that and ruin another Super Bowl run… Or a friendship

BOTTOM LINE- Dont piss off the GOAT !

Can Tom Brady Pass Michael Jordan Sunday?

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Tom Brady or Michael Jordan?

It’s no question Tom Brady is already the greatest quarterback of all time. Tom Brady is going for his sixth Super Bowl win on Sunday. With a sixth Super Bowl win he will have had as many championships as Michael Jordan. The Patriots’ 18 year dynasty is unheard of and will never happen again. Michael Jordan won all of his titles before the age of 40. Tom Brady is still playing at a high level at 40. With a win on Sunday Tom Brady will pass Michael Jordan as the greatest athlete of all time.

What is a Bigger Dynasty?

Tom Brady came into this league as an underdog in 2000. That first Super Bowl win against the Rams ended their dynasty and began one for New England. The AFC Championship wins against the Colts in the early 2000s marked the end of their regime. Jordan won all his championships from 1991 to 1998. Tom Brady has won three out of four championships from 2001-2004 and has a chance to do it again with 2014-2017. The 18 year run this team is on is way more impressive than the seven year run the Chicago Bulls were on.

Tom Brady Has a Chance to Add to His Legacy Sunday

Tom Brady has a chance to stamp his legacy Sunday as the greatest athlete of all time. This may be the worst Patriots team that has been in the Super Bowl. The defense has struggled and the offense is different without Julian Edelman. Michael Jordan was fourth in career points. Brady is tied for third in career passing touchdowns. Brady was the 199th pick in the NFL Draft while Michael Jordan was drafted third in the NBA Draft. Comparing different sports is hard, but right now Brady is in talks with Jordan as the greatest team athlete of all time. He really has the opportunity to seal that deal Sunday.

The New England Patriots Dynasty

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After completing the “Drive for Five”, the Patriots have moved on to the “Blitz for Six” as if nothing ever happened last season. As if the Patriots didn’t appear in their record breaking 9th Super Bowl. As if they didn’t orchestrate the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history by coming back from a 28-3 deficit. Why? Because they reset every single season. Win or lose, they refuse to dwell on the past but rather choose to focus on the present and the future. It is this very simple aspect of their organization that has made them one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, dynasties in NFL history. Their favorite ring is indeed the next one. This mindset starts at the very top of the organization with the Krafts, and it trickles down to Belichick, then Brady and the rest of the team.

Owner Robert Kraft, President Jonathan Kraft, Coach Bill Belichick, and QB Tom Brady

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: From left, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, New England Patriots President Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady hold Vince Lombardi trophies on the pitchers’ mound at Fenway Park on April 13, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

THE KRAFTY BUSINESSMAN

Let’s start with Kraft. Unlike some owners, looking at you Jerry Jones, Kraft knows to stick out of the matters at the team level. Little things like who should start at a specific position or who the Patriots should pick up in free agency. Kraft knows to stick out of this. Kraft instead focuses on the business side of the Patriots and excels at his job. For example, by the start of Kraft’s first season, every single game was sold out. To put this in perspective, this had never happened in any of the prior 34 Patriot seasons. Also, what does Kraft say almost every time they win? “This is unequivocally the sweetest one.” His favorite one changes every time they win.

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

THE BRAINS BEHIND THE ORGANIZATION

What is arguably Kraft’s greatest move? Hiring Bill Belichick. Bill Belichick has done something the mere mortal coaches could only dream of doing. Not only coaching a record breaking 7 Super Bowls but winning 5 of them. As GM and Coach, Belichick knows exactly who and what he’s dealing with each and every season. He resets his focus every season, builds an offense around his super-mega-uber-star QB, and builds tough defenses out of mainly non-star players. What was that chant Belichick led in the 5th Patriots parade? “No days off.” He’s focused on the next ring.

Patriots 2016-17 QBs: Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett, Tom Brady, and Jimmy Garoppolo (left to right) at the Patriots 2017 ring ceremony

THE GOAT

This finally leads us to Thomas Brady Jr. The comeback kid. Tommy terrific. THE GOAT. I firmly believe that Tom Brady is the greatest thing to ever happen to the Patriots organization. What was it that rookie-Brady told Kraft? “I’m the best decision this organization has ever made.” And he was right. If I had to count all the records Brady’s demolished, we’d be here all day, but let’s just say he’s broken almost every significant NFL record. He has the insane stats, and he’s got the rings. And the cherry on top is deep humility and his insane drive to win every single game.

Tom Brady celebrating his 5th ring and 4th Super Bowl MVP after winning Super Bowl 51

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

THE THREE KINGS

It’s these three focal points – Kraft, Belichick and Brady – and the fact that they all have the same vision that has made the Patriots the greatest dynasty in NFL history. Each the best at their respective roles, they do what’s best for the team and the organization. The Patriots are now on the Blitz for Six to cement their legacy as the greatest team ever, and we are all lucky enough to be able to witness it.

OPEN LETTER TO THE G.O.A.T – TB12

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Dear Tommy (or should I call you GOAT),

In the year 2000 at the NFL Draft a certain name would be called out loud that would become embedded into the brains of Patriot fans and NFL fans around the world. “With the 199th pick in the NFL draft, the New England Patriots select, Tom Brady, Quarterback from the University of Michigan.” No one knew that this announcement would change the NFL and is storied history forever.

Bledsoe down, Brady up

I will never forget the year 2001. In the seventh grade, I watched the Patriots play the New York Jets with Drew Bledsoe at quarterback. A young unknown was sitting on the bench that day wearing #12, just waiting for the opportunity to play and prove more doubters wrong. Little did #12 know that his time to shine would come sooner rather than later thanks to a late hit delivered to Drew Bledsoe from the Jets Mo’ Lewis.

Many Patriot fans watched the game that day and figured it was just going to be another bad season for this team since its starting quarterback had gone down with a serious injury. Then trotting on to the field came a guy no one knew existed, number 12, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. I remember watching this young guy head to the sidelines in his first ever NFL game and I thought to myself, “Who is this guy? He must be terrified.” Little did I know nor did anyone else know that he would evolve into our cold-blooded, fearless, GOAT.

Claiming the Throne

Tommy, once you hit the field in 2001 and led us to a Super Bowl run you knew you would never look back. The starting quarterback job for our beloved Patriots now belonged to you and you ALONE. I have watched you lead us to five Super Bowl wins, countless AFC Title games, and a number of other historic personal and team moments. I STILL get chills every time I have the opportunity to watch you play. You have been through the wringer at the hands of the NFL and its red-nosed Commissioner. You’ve had haters from every fan base and media outlet in the world saying you aren’t the best. You’re a system quarterback, you’re only good because of your coach, the list goes on and on. But even as you continue to get older, you strive for greater heights and continue to prove them wrong.

40 is the new 20?

You’re now at the ripe age of 40 and doing things most quarterbacks and athletes wish they could do when they were younger — to compete at a high level and more importantly, WIN at a high level. You show no signs of slowing down and you continuously leave it all on the field every week. You truly are an inspiration and a hero to every kid or adult who dreams to achieve greatness and live life with a purpose every day.

You are LITERALLY a god and a savior in every sense of the word in New England. On behalf of a fan base and a nation, I want to be greedy when I tell you to never stop and to never leave us. But I know someday this eventuality will turn into reality. I know you’re not a kid anymore and the days of watching you play will begin to wind down. I will appreciate watching every snap you have left to take, knowing I am witnessing greatness and watching the best signal caller to ever play the great game of football.

A once-in-a-lifetime player

I want to say thank you for the memories I have of you as a kid and now to a man. It has been a pleasure watching you play and compete at such a high level for as long as you have. For playing the game the right way and being a great role model on and off the field. I’ve watched you hoist the Lombardi Trophy vs the Rams, Panthers, Eagles, and Seahawks and watched your historic/monumental comeback against the Falcons. One thing is certain. You, sir, are the GOAT and there will NEVER be another Tom Brady.

In closing I would like to wish you the best of luck this season and however many more seasons you end up playing in the NFL. Winning five trophies is epic, since there are great players who never got a single one. But I’m fully aware that your career does not stop at five. You have more hunger and drive in you. Winning number six is NEVER out of the question. On behalf of ALL #PatsNation, thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do.

OH AND TOM, ONE MORE THING…..

LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

SINCERELY,

ALL OF PATS NATION

#KissTheRings