Let Your Work Speak: Tom Brady

Last night we watched the New England Patriots make history as Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Patriots, lead the team to a 16-0 winning season.

This triumph is even more noteworthy when we learn a little more about Tom Brady. Brady sat on the bench his first two years at the University of Michigan. He was seventh on the depth chart and struggled to get some playing time. At one point, he hired a sports psychologist to help him cope with frustration and anxiety caused by a lack of opportunity.

Brady was selected by the New England Patriots in the 6th round (199th overall), a compensatory pick of the 2000 NFL Draft. Brady served as the backup quarterback for Drew Bledsoe. In the September 23, 2001 game against the New York Jets, Bledsoe suffered internal bleeding from a collision with a Jets player. Soon after, Brady was named the starting quarterback. Although his beginnings as starting quarterback were unspectacular, it would be hard even for those who aren't sports enthusiasts not to have heard of Brady's record breaking victories as well as those of the New England Patriots.

How did Brady go from being virtually unknown to being recognized as the most talented and best NFL quarterback? He kept on learning and improving so that when his opportunity did come he was prepared. Then he did what Festus Obiakor would describe as, "Let your work speak," and how his work has spoken to all of us.

When we get discouraged in our efforts to make a difference for diverse learners, it might be helpful to remember the example of Tom Brady.