Simply put.

He lives in gratitude.

It has taken me a few days to reflect on our SB loss as well as the great season our team had. There are many emotions when you come up short of your goal. And they are all part of learning and growing in this journey of life. Learning turns everything into a postitive. And the number one feeling I have had the past 4 days is gratitude. Gratitude to my teammates for the incredible effort given all season regardless of the challenges we faced. Gratitude toward my coaches for the effort and sacrifice they make to put us players in the best position to win. Gratitude to the NEP organization for supporting us on our very challenging and difficult journey. Gratitude to the Philadelphia Eagles team and organization for bringing out the best in us and being gracious winners (as well as congratulations on winning the championship) Gratitude toward our fans who showed up every week to cheer us on and commit their time and energy and love and support to what our goals are. And gratitude to my family and friends who continue to love and support my dreams. Thank you all. I love you all. Best, Tom

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Feb 9, 2018 at 6:28am PST

I bolded the most astounding part.

He is thankful for his opponent.

Think about that!

Without your opponent you do not have a game.

I teach my players that they have a moral responsibility to kick their opponents tail. lol

Well, to give them their best in practice and in the game.

Knock ’em on their tail,
Pick them up,
And send ’em back to the huddle.
Then do it again.

A few years back, one Sunday am, my ever diligent Defensive Coordinator Duke called me. I asked if everything is OK.  “Coach they are bought in !”

Huh? I replied.  He said,”Watch Hudl, our kids are running all over the field to pick up the kids left laying on the ground.”

Much of this mentality is from my study of Pete Carroll via his old clinics and his books.  Of course he loves competition and cautions that the scout opponents in practice has most the credit for a players success as the other way around.

So for Tom Brady to be thankful for his opponent. Is a tell into why he is one of the greatest ever.