“Tom Brady Knows My Name!”: Raiders DE Explains Why You Should Never Meet Your Heroes but Maybe You Can if They’re Named TB12

It is a dream for every NFL enthusiast to meet their franchise heroes in person. It does not matter who the person is, a fan or athlete. But for a current Raiders athlete, it was a surreal moment to meet a living legend like Tom Brady and compete alongside him. DE Chandler Jones reflected on such an encounter he had with the GOAT during his rookie days.

The NFL Films on YouTube presented a video, ‘When Players Meet Their NFL Idols on the Field,’ which had athletes reminisce on their rookie years and meet their inspirations. The clip had Darren Sproles, Deion Sanders, Brandon Marshall, Drew Brees, and more. But what a 2012 Pats rookie linebacker said to his family after meeting Tom Brady is more of a fan moment for the DE himself.

Chandler Jones mentioned, “I remember my rookie year at minicamp. I’m sitting there getting my ankles taped and number 12 walks in. Tom Brady says, ‘Chandler, It’s a pleasure to have you on the team.’ I literally got off the tape, I got off the table, got on the phone, called my brother, and I said, ‘Tom Brady knows my name!’ And I was a first-round pick, but it’s Tom [Brady]”

Even De’Vondre Campbell remarked on his meeting with TB12 at a Super Bowl matchup. They faced each other on the first play in the game. “Man, that’s Tom Brady,” the LB said as he glanced across the huddle.

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It is always a delight to meet an NFL legend. But now, the rookie athletes have had the same feeling as any fan would do. They are indeed lucky.

Tom Brady and Chandler Jones came very close to becoming teammates

Tom Brady is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and paved them into a top-tier franchise with Super Bowl glory. But there was a time when TB12 was en route to the Raiders and team up with Chandler Jones again. Even UFC President Dana White tried to lure the GOAT into Las Vegas. But that did not happen.

During UFC 278’s post-fight conference, White mentioned he persuaded Brady to join the Raiders, and Rob Gronkowski was to tag along as well. They were discussing the agreement and were almost in. But Jon Gruden backed out in the end. The HC put his fate in the young QB Derek Carr. TB12 was not happy, and neither was White. It’s safe to argue that Las Vegas missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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