Google News
Few names have shaped the trajectory of the NFL like Tom Brady. But even fewer remember the New York Jets linebacker who indirectly catapulted Brady’s legendary career – Mo Lewis. An unexpected turn of events in 2001 transformed the NFL's narrative, and football analysts, including Shannon Sharpe, are revisiting this historic moment.
Sharpe suggests a grand gesture: Should Tom Brady gift Mo Lewis a Rolls-Royce in recognition? While Mo Lewis might not ring a bell for every casual fan, his legacy with the New York Jets is formidable. An Atlanta native, Lewis showcased his football prowess at the University of Georgia, donning the memorable number 57.
After transitioning to the NFL, he dedicated an impressive 13 seasons to the Jets, establishing himself as a defensive titan and respected captain.
Brady's Unforeseen Path
During a recent episode of his podcast, Shannon Sharpe, with co-host Chad Johnson, recalled the pivotal 2001 game where Brady, then a backup to Drew Bledsoe, watched from the sidelines.
But everything changed when a fierce hit from Lewis injured Bledsoe, shearing a blood vessel and causing a dangerous loss of blood. This unfortunate incident inadvertently cleared the path for Brady to take the helm, and the rest, as they say, is history.
With seven Super Bowl wins and three MVP awards, Brady’s journey to becoming possibly the greatest quarterback of all time was unforeseeable. As Chad Johnson aptly put it, Lewis "created a monster." With an illustrious career boasting 1,231 tackles, 883 solo efforts, and 14 interceptions, Lewis has more than earned his accolades.
His accomplishments, including First-team All-Pro honors, a Second-team All-Pro selection, and three Pro Bowl nods, make him one of the sport's standout figures. Given this history, is it time for Tom Brady to recognize Lewis' unintentional yet monumental influence on his career with a symbolic gesture? A $5 million Rolls-Royce might seem lavish, but in the world of sports, where narratives are crafted by unscripted moments, it could be the ultimate nod to a game that changed the course of NFL history.