The GOAT, the best to every play, Tom Brady, had already won 6 of 9 Super Bowls he played when he announced he was leaving the New England Patriots in 2020. The only question was, where would he land next? And he chose the Buccaneers. No one really thought he would achieve anything with them. They hadn’t qualified for playoffs since 2007. But the legend brought in infectious energy that changed everything.

In his first year, he won the Super Bowl, creating a lasting effect on the franchise. Fox reporter Carmen Vitali, appeared on the January 2 episode of the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. She revealed the change in energy and said, “The biggest thing is so because I was there before Tom got there. I knew the guys, was in the locker room all the time. They had the talent. Like they were one of the rare teams that really was one quarterback away from what they ended up accomplishing, which was the Super Bowl. And when he (Tom Brady) got there, And he chose to go to Tampa. That sentiment was not lost on the entire roster, on the entire organization.”

TB12 was nearing the end of his football career. So, the locker room already respected his achievements. When he got there, WR Chris Godwin gave him jersey number 12 as a sign of respect and wore number 14. But he was high on competitive spirit. And he wanted to win trophies.

Vitali further explained how the franchise changed itself to give Tom Brady whatever he wanted. While talking about the alterations, she added, “So, it made everybody carry themselves in a different way and expect more from themselves. And so it set a standard there, and it overhauled so many different things that you’ll never hear about. The resources, the kitchen, the menu, the way the guys were covered. There were people brought into the organization based on what Tom said he needed. And that has continued. He makes you want more from yourself, expect more of yourself.” That’s right.

In his first itself, he led the Bucs to a Super Bowl, their first since 2002 and only the 2nd in franchise history. Even in his next two seasons before retiring in 2022, Tom Brady took them to playoffs. Overall, his stint with the team was successful. So, in September 2024, when Baker Mayfield said on Casa de Klub podcast that the locker was stressed out with high intense energy that Brady brought there. The former QB bluntly replied while announcing the week 4 Bucs game against the Eagles that not winning the Super Bowl was more stressful. It shows how competitive he was.

For now, as approach the business end of the season, Mayfield has a tremendous responsibility on his shoulders. He would carry fans’ expectations against the Saints while the team waits to secure their playoff spot. He has to avenge his disrespect, too.

Terry Bradshaw may rethink his comments on Tom Brady’s successor

During the January 2 episode of the Rodeo Time podcast, former Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw had some doubts about the Buccaneers QB and the Vikings QB Sam Darnold in his reply. When asked how he saw himself if he played today, Bradshaw said, “They’d have kicked me out. I’d have been one of these quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield, these guys (who are) passed around. (Sam) Darnold up in Minnesota, passed around. Because now it’s quick, you’ve got to do it fast, you’ve got to make it happen now.” Those comments have backfired (almost).

With a 9-7 win-loss record, they are on the top of the NFC South division already. If they defeat the Saints on Sunday, they will be through. But the Falcons with an 8-8 win-loss record would also like to win against the Panthers. However, the Bucs are the favorites.

Even Baker Mayfield has performed better than expected. After week 17, he is 3rd in the league in passing yards (4,279). He is 3rd in touchdowns too (39). So the team is relying on him to lead their way in the playoffs. It would be exciting.