Tom Brady Will Be Back Stronger than Ever

Earlier this week, Tom Brady practiced with the Patriots for the first time since his Week One injury. Of course, the local and national media were all over it and out with their cameras. Did anybody tell them that it was only mini-camp? I know the Celtics and Bruins had disappointing early exits from the playoffs, but the Red Sox are playing.

So why all the attention to one player for a practice? It is because that player is Tom Brady. Here is a guy that brings new meaning to living the American dream. Not only is he the face of the New England Patriots, but he is all over GQ magazine and married to a supermodel.

What straight guy in America wouldn't want to be Tom Brady?

Brady has achieved legendary status in the NFL. As much as fans love their legends, they also like to see their legends fall. I guess it makes them human. Brady showed he was human after last year, when he went down to a season-ending injury in the first quarter of the first game.

Enter Matt Cassel, who despite many doubters, did a really good job.

There were two tragedies last year, as far as I am concerned. One was that the Patriots weren't allowed in the playoffs despite an 11-5 record. The other was that Matt Cassel didn't make the Pro Bowl.

With Cassel now in Kansas City, Brady will be back to reclaim his spot as the Patriots franchise quarterback. Those same people who doubted Cassel are now doubting Brady. They say he won't be the same after the injury.

Bill Bellichick must think differently. If he didn't feel Brady would be back strong, he never would have let Cassel go to Kansas City. Also, I don't think he is interested in seeing what Kevin O'Connell has just yet, especially with Josh McDaniels gone.

I remember Dan Marino going down after starting many games in a row as Brady did. The doubters were out on him, too. Then he had a shaky preseason. Then in Week One, he threw for almost 500 yards and five touchdowns.

Listening to these doubters only makes guys like Brady and Marino work harder. To them, it is though they have to prove themselves all over again.

Another factor is just taking your place back. After the injury, Brady was not seen again for the rest of the year. For whatever reason, he was never on the sideline. Therefore, he had to watch from his TV like the rest of us.

Imagine how that must have felt for him. Sure, you are happy that your teammates are still doing well. And yes, you are happy for Cassel. This guy worked hard and supported you. He deserved a chance to play.

However, this guy is living your life and all you can do is watch. Cassel is now the guy doing the post-game interviews. The signs in the stands are now about Cassel. Now Cassel is the most popular guy in the city. The only thing is that he doesn't have a supermodel.

With all that, Brady will be back and better than ever before. All you doubters can take that to the bank.