Julian Edelman: Tom Brady Sets Sights Beyond Joe Montana, Aims for Michael Jordan’s Legacy

Tom Brady’s legendary success likely stems from his clear vision for himself. Even his former Patriots teammate Julian Edelman recently revealed a surprising target on Brady’s vision board, highlighting the quarterback’s unique drive. While most expected Brady to focus on surpassing other NFL legends like Joe Montana, Edelman revealed a different goal—breaking an NBA star’s record. 

Brady famously holds seven Super Bowl rings (six with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers). While surpassing Joe Montana’s four rings was likely a goal for many quarterbacks, Edelman reveals Brady actually aimed for Michael Jordan. In a way, he gave a glimpse into the mindset of a true champion. 

Tom Brady’s target was not Montana, but Jordan

Julian Edelman recently shared a fascinating anecdote about Tom Brady’s relentless drive, a key factor behind his record-breaking seven Super Bowl wins. In 2014, when Brady had “only” three Super Bowl rings, Edelman visited his home gym for training. “He has the location of where the Super Bowl is on his whiteboard in his home gym,” Edelman said. Edelman assumed his teammate aimed to match NFL legend Joe Montana’s four titles. “We’re gonna get you to pass Joe Montana,” Edelman confidently declared.

However, Brady’s response revealed a whole different level of ambition. It looks like, with an intense stare, he said, “I’m not going for Montana. I’m going for Jordan.” Edelman soon realized Brady had his sights set high on surpassing Michael Jordan’s six NBA championships. As early as 2014 itself, Brady targeted six rings to his crown. The rest is history, as he achieved an incomparable seven Super Bowl victories.

The ex-quarterback gracefully surpasses Michael Jordan

Obviously, the pursuit of greatness drives every elite athlete. For Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, that meant becoming the undisputed GOAT of their respective sports. Jordan’s six NBA championships in the 1990s cemented his legacy, while Brady shattered records with seven Super Bowl wins. Comparing GOATs across sports is subjective. However, championship rings are an undeniable measure of success.

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In 2015, with Brady at four rings, Jordan playfully challenged him, saying, “Come back to me when you’ve got six championships.” Brady’s unstoppable determination led to his record-breaking seventh Super Bowl win in 2021. He now holds the record for the most Super Bowl titles and appearances by any NFL player. While Jordan remains the undisputed GOAT of basketball, he still has to tie with other legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Cousy, and Scottie Pippen. However, with his “unique historic record,” Brady became a worthy GOAT candidate – a fact Jordan may not have foreseen while teasing him years ago. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below. 

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