Legendary quarterback Tom Brady has expressed deep concern over the current state of young quarterback development in modern football. In a candid discussion, Brady lamented the shift away from traditional, rigorous training methods that once defined the sport.
“There used to be college programs that really prepared you for the next level. Now, it feels like there are just college teams,” Brady remarked in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone. “You’re not being immersed in a program that teaches you the nuances of the game; you’re just handed a playbook and expected to execute.”
Brady didn’t hold back in criticizing the trend of thrusting rookie quarterbacks into starting roles too soon. “It’s a tragedy that we’re pushing these young guys onto the field before they’re truly ready. We’ve simplified the game so much that it allows them to play early, but at the cost of deeper understanding and skill development. The game used to be approached with much more complexity and intellectual rigor.”
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, several rookie quarterbacks are already being slated for significant playing time. The Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels have been named Week 1 starters, while New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye is locked in a competition with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job. Similarly, Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix is on the verge of being named the team’s starter. In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. and Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy—who will miss the season due to a meniscus injury—are among the few first-round quarterbacks not expected to start as rookies.
Brady’s perspective is shaped by his own experience. He didn’t start until his second season, when he was thrust into action following an injury to Drew Bledsoe. Brady credits his years at the University of Michigan and his time on the bench in New England for helping him develop into a Pro Bowl quarterback, eventually leading the Patriots to an 11-3 record in his 14 starts that season.
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“For five years, I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals—how to drop back, read defenses, understand coverages, and be coached thoroughly,” Brady explained. “That was real development. Then, when I got to New England, I continued to grow under the guidance of Coach [Bill] Belichick and the offensive staff.”
Brady pointed out that some of the most successful quarterbacks in recent years, like two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes and Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love, also benefitted from sitting on the bench and learning before being thrust into starting roles.
He suggests that this slower, more deliberate approach to development could lead to more successful careers for young quarterbacks, something he feels the modern game is missing.
Brady’s comments highlight a growing debate in the NFL about the balance between immediate impact and long-term development for rookie quarterbacks, a conversation that is likely to continue as teams weigh the risks and rewards of starting young talent early in their careers.
