Ex-Teammate Admits Tom Brady Was the Reason He Played Through Major Injury
Tom Brady’s legendary leadership extended far beyond his seven Super Bowl titles and countless NFL records. Former teammate Jakob Johnson recently opened up about the unparalleled motivation Brady inspired, sharing a personal story that underscored the quarterback’s influence on those around him.
Johnson, a fullback who played alongside Brady on the New England Patriots, revealed how Brady’s presence kept him on the field during a painful injury.
In Week 6 of the 2019 season against the New York Giants, Johnson suffered a broken shoulder blade after taking a hard hit on a lead-blocking play. Despite the excruciating pain, he continued to play, driven by the determination Brady instilled in him.
“My shoulder is hurting, I can’t move my arm,” Johnson recounted. “I’m thinking about going to the sideline, and Brady looks at me and is like, ‘Yeah, you okay, baby?!’”
The comment struck a chord with Johnson, who felt compelled to push through for his team and, more specifically, for Brady.
“If Tom Brady asks you to get on up and get the score, that’s what you do,” Johnson said, highlighting the unique influence of the quarterback’s charisma and leadership on his teammates.
Brady’s reputation as a motivator and leader has long been celebrated. Whether it was rallying his team during fourth-quarter comebacks or holding everyone to an elite standard in practice, his ability to inspire is seen as one of the defining qualities of his career.
Tom Brady spent 20 years on the New England Patriots.
© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
For Johnson, that inspiration translated into playing hurt, a testament to Brady’s impact not just as a player but as a leader.
Although Johnson’s NFL career saw him leave the Patriots in 2021, he still credits his time with Brady as formative.
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