In his illustrated 23-year career in the NFL, Tom Brady has forged many friendships and special relationships. And one of them was with his former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. In his book ‘No Excuses’, Weis recounts the time when he saw the most overwhelming human side of the G.O.A.T.

The 4x Super Bowl winner coach had a troubling phase when he almost shook hands with death. Charlie Weis underwent major gastric bypass surgery in 2002 during his time at Foxborough. The former NY Giants RB coach and Patriots OC was in a coma for two days and even had his last rites read to him. However, things miraculously turned around. And his family wasn’t the only ones by his side during this stormy phase of his life.

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“My family kept me going, but football sped up my recovery. After getting out of the rehab hospital, Tom [Brady] would come over just to talk. My wife said it was the only time of the day that I’d suck it up and snap out of my depression,” Charlie Weis expressed in his book.

Weis still remembers the exact moment he knew that Tom Brady was special

Tom Brady and Charlie Weis formed an incredible partnership in New England under the watchful eye of Bill Belichick. The duo won three Super Bowls together and understandably shared a bond that extended beyond the gridiron. However, it all had to wait until Brady got his much-awaited start against the NY Jets after QB Drew Bledsoe left the game with an injury. And even then, TB12 wasn’t even close to establishing his territory. However, it was one particular play in Brady’s first year that convinced Weis of the genius of the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Weis has trouble remembering this particular opponent. But it was either the New Orleans Saints or the San Diego Chargers who had a secret “exotic blitz” that offenses feared facing. They had only ever used it once during the season, and the Patriots hoped it didn’t come up when the two teams extended the play to overtime. The plan was for an audible if they spotted the blitz. “He saw the blitz coming. He audibles. Then threw a ball 55 yards down the right sideline to David Patton. That night when I went home, and I was talking to my wife about the game, I told her, we might have something special here,” Weis said on the Off the Pike podcast with Brian Barrett.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady still top their NFC South division. However, their 7-8 record doesn’t guarantee post-season just yet. Their next two crucial divisional games against the Panthers and the Falcons will decide it all. And maybe next year, Brady comes back to New England. Weis and fans can only hope.