There are certain athletes who are considered the greatest of all time in their respective sports. Soccer has Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, golf has Tiger Woods, and football has Tom Brady. The greatest player in the NFL has enough qualities for younger athletes to look up to. One of those youngsters is Formula One driver, George Russell.

George Russell talks about the NFL

This weekend, George Russell will light up the Circuit of The Americas in his Williams car, but faces stiff competition. 2021 Championship leaders Max Verstappen and Russell’s 2022 Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton will make things difficult for him. But ahead of the race, Russell is basking in the media attention.

George sat with The Ringer‘s Kevin Clark and discussed the upcoming US Grand Prix. Of course, the NFL came up in the conversation, given Russell’s alliance with Miami Dolphins. When asked about Miami, George said he actually doesn’t support Miami, but has an expert opinion of the NFL.

“I think the strategy that goes into it. There’s so many different plays and it’s fine margins. You’re trying to find a way to get through the defense and I personally recognize the amount of work that goes in so many different strategies, so many different plays.”

“Everything’s done with a reason. I’m sure they practice that day after day, week after week. To get that perfect play, to be able to through the players and I think I appreciate final details and stuff.”

What does young George have to learn from Tom Brady?

During the interview, Russell revealed the recent heroics of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United inspire him. This led to Kevin Clark drawing the comparison between CR7 and NFL icon Tom Brady. Instantly, Russell listed the things he could learn from Brady, given his longevity in the sport.

“Almost like the sky’s the limit. You’re constantly learning, constantly developing, and I guess I’m a young guy. I’ve got a lot of energy, very motivated, but gotta find ways to keep that energy continuous over the next 15-20 years. Because I still want to be in this sport at the top of my game. When I’m getting on for 40 years old, that won’t be easy. But I think you’ve got to put the hard work now. Make sure your body and your mind and everything around that is set up; ready to do what’s necessary.”

“I think that’s probably what’s been the difference for these top guys like Tom Brady, like Cristiano. As I said for me, that’s like quite inspirational and motivates me to try and emulate what these guys are achieving. Not such an old age, but for their sport. It is awesome.”

Can Russell channel his energy and put on a TB12 of CR7-esque performance at COTA? Stay tuned to know more.

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