New York Jets Brady was selected by the
New York Jets in the first round (9th overall) of the
1995 NFL draft, much to the chagrin of the Jets fans in attendance. The fans wanted the team to draft future Hall of Famer
Warren Sapp and showed it by chanting "We want Sapp! We want Sapp!". After Brady was announced,
Joe Theismann said "It just doesn't seem to make sense", speculating that
Rich Kotite wanted two tight ends on the field. Jets fans booed Brady and his mother when they appeared on the stage. Although Brady became what
NFL Films later described as a "solid player", fans did not forget the team not choosing Sapp.
Jacksonville Jaguars Brady went on to sign with the
Jacksonville Jaguars in 1999 and had his best year in the NFL with the Jaguars. In the
2000 season, he set career highs with 64 receptions and 729 receiving yards. He was the Jaguars' Man of the Year in 2003. Brady had a reputation with the Jags as a very durable player, having only missed nine games in his twelve seasons in the NFL, and was also known as an outstanding blocker.
New England Patriots His reputation as a durable blocker helped him to land a two-year contract on March 3, 2007, with the New England Patriots to replace departing free agent
Daniel Graham at tight end.
Bill Belichick had wanted to draft Brady in 1995 as head coach of the
Cleveland Browns with the 10th pick. When Brady was selected, Belichick traded down to the 30th pick. One website went as far as to label Brady "Belichick's
white whale." Despite nagging injuries, Brady played in 14 games for the Patriots in
2007, catching nine passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, culminating with
Super Bowl XLII. He was released by New England on February 29, 2008, ==NFL career statistics==