Tom Brady: Even a Buffalo Bills Fan Has to Respect the Patriots QB

As a lifelong, die-hard, season-ticket holding Buffalo Bills fan, Tom Brady represents everything evil.

The Bills beat him and his Patriots in Week 1 of the 2003 season, but Brady has led New England to a win in every matchup with Buffalo ever since, either in blowout or heartbreaking fashion. 

Though I'll hold a never-ending grudge with Mr. Brady, there's one thing he'll always get from me; the utmost respect.

Brady, who was famously drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, is still paying back all the teams that continually past on him.

Even with his multitude of accomplishments that speak for themselves, Brady has never lost his competitive edge. If anything, he has become more of a competitor as he has progressed into his prime.

That demeanor has become a rarity in today's NFL.

It would be easy for Brady to relax, fall back on his past achievements and be a good quarterback on a good team. But he works tirelessly in pursuit of becoming the best quarterback in history, and makes sure he and his teammates are prepared for every game each season.

For me, it's not just the fact that Brady can throw for 4,000-plus yards a season, toss 35 touchdowns with only five interceptions. How he goes about playing the quarterback position at such a high level is what I admire the most. 

It's common for TV cameras to catch him barking at his offensive line, receiving corp or defense when they aren't playing to his standards. 

What does Brady do when New England is pummeling an opponent?

Leads his team on another touchdown drive. 

It can be maddening when you're on the receiving end of his perfection, and believe me, I'm very familiar with the pain in which Brady can inflict. 

But isn't that what you'd want from your team and your quarterback?

He doesn't only get it done with the physical tools given from God. Brady can expose any defensive alignment, blitz package or coverage and has learned being a step ahead of your opponent translates to prolonged success more than anything else. 

Lastly, and most importantly, Brady's desire is what really does it for me. 

He is a fiery gun-slinger with the determination of a third-stringer fighting for a starting job, clawing for every inch to make himself the master of his craft when many say he has already mastered the quarterback position. 

So, even if Brady never loses to the Bills again and he remains the dark antagonist every fall for me, I'll still hold him in high esteem.

He's capable of being great, realizes that and never stops, lets up or slows down. You'd never know he's already won three Super Bowls and two MVPs.

And those qualities warrant all the respect in the world.