Montana on Brady: 'I never doubted he would have anything but success'
There are very few NFL stars who come close to replicating Joe Montana's accomplishments. One of the few signal callers who can lay claim to such a feat is Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.
Like Montana, Brady finds himself enjoying the twilight of his career in an unfamiliar destination. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady went on to craft an incredible legacy that saw him earn six Super Bowl titles, three NFL MVPs, and three first-team All-Pro nods.
At 43, it seemed like the former Michigan standout's best games were in the rearview, especially after spending 20 seasons in New England. But that's not the case in 2020, as Brady and the Bucs have sprinted to a 5-2 start. The early-season triumphs aren't lost on Montana.
"I never doubted that he would have anything but success there," Montana said on the "Wake Up Call with Tony Desiere and Ronn Culver" on SportsMap Radio. "They loaded him up with weapons. They brought back his old target (Rob Gronkowski). Things were falling into place for him."
Montana's heard the comparisons between him and Brady. Joe Cool played 13 seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and won four Super Bowls before getting traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. He understands what's it like to enter a new locker room late in your career.
"In the beginning, you look for acceptance, and no matter what or who, it still takes them starting to see what your work ethic’s like," Montana said. "You go in there, and you’re not just going to a team to play and have fun. I came to win and be the best I can be and make the team better if I can."
The Hall of Famer believed Brady's influence would rub off on his new teammates sooner than later.
"As soon as they start watching Tom practice and how he carries himself at practice, as well as in a game, I think then the acceptance starts to happen," Montana added.
Montana offered a pointed statement when asked why he thought Brady decided to leave the Patriots.
"I think he was just looking for another place to hang his hat, but he knew he still wanted to play," he said. "It didn’t feel like New England was the place for him anymore."
Montana played the final two seasons of his career for the Kansas City Chiefs. The longtime pro said he sees a similar drive to win from Brady in his 21st season.
After being traded to Kansas City in 1993, the then 37-year old former Notre Dame star led the Chiefs to consecutive playoff appearances.
"I think the biggest thing is just getting out there and showing everyone that you still got what it takes to play at that level and win," Montana said.
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