As the New England Patriots and New York Jets were combatting in a relatively boring 13-10 game last night with the Patriots prevailing, I couldn't help but think back to 2001 and the start of the Tom Brady era.
You all remember that start, right? You know, when Mo Lewis destroyed Drew Bledsoe near the sideline on a hit that would most assuredly result in a penalty and fine in today's NFL …
Mo made that hit, Bledsoe got hurt, Brady entered the game, and the rest is history. From that moment on, Brady would win Super Bowls, break records and have an overly annoying SportsCenter anchor call him "The Greatest Living American" because SportsCenter loves to employ assholes.
Wait, where was I? Oh, that's right: Mo Lewis and Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady.
It's worth remembering every time we hear someone praise Brady or see him have another awesome game that it was Mo Lewis who really made Tom Brady. Without Lewis and that hit on Bledsoe, who knows when Brady finally gets on the field and how his career goes from there. I hope Brady remembers that and gives his thanks to Lewis on the regular … or at least has Giselle throw Mo some of her friends.
On to your Friday reading material …
This Gary Payton Tribute Video May Cause Goosebumps - The Smoking Section
35 Questions That Will Change Your Life - Forbes
Every Shitty Thing That Happened To The Pittsburgh Pirates, 1992-2013 - Deadspin
Rob Ryan Bought Drinks For An Entire Bar After Saints Win - Kissing Suzy Kolber
This Kareem Abdul-Jabaar Vs. Wilt Chamberlain Footage Is Just Plain Awesome - The Smoking Section
Facing prison after shooting conviction, one-time Philly hero tells his side of the story (and the update) - NewsWorks