Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady has expressed concern about the current approach to developing young quarterbacks in the NFL. Brady, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, believes that the way young quarterbacks are being trained today is significantly different—and not for the better—compared to past eras.
“There used to be college programs. Now there are college teams,” Brady said in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Liam McKeone. “You’re no longer learning a program, you’re learning a playbook.”
Brady further elaborated on his views, stating, “It’s just a tragedy that we’re forcing these rookies to play early. … We’ve dumbed the game down, which has allowed them to play (early). It used to be thought of at a higher level.”
In the upcoming 2024 NFL season, several rookie quarterbacks are expected to see significant playing time. The Chicago Bears have named Caleb Williams as their Week 1 starter, and the Washington Commanders have done the same with Jayden Daniels. Meanwhile, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is in competition with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting role, and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos is anticipated to be named the starter soon.
Among first-round quarterbacks, only the Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. and the Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy are not expected to play as rookies. McCarthy is set to miss the season due to a meniscus injury.
Brady, who did not start until his second season in the NFL, emphasized the importance of his college experience and early development. He credited his time at the University of Michigan and the coaching he received from Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots’ offensive staff as crucial to his success.
“For five years, I got to learn how to drop-back pass, to read defenses, to read coverages, to be coached. … That was development,” Brady said. “Then I went to New England, and I was developed by Coach (Bill) Belichick and the offensive staff there.”
Recent examples of quarterbacks who have excelled after sitting out most of their rookie seasons include two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
