Bucs QB Brady Tops NFL Top 100 For 2022

For the last two weeks, NFL Network has been counting down the top 100 players in the league heading into the 2022 season. And on Sunday night, Bucs quarterback Tom Brady topped the list. 

Brady came in at No. 1 on the list — which is voted on by players — for the fourth time. All four of his No. 1 finishes have come since 2011, with this year’s joining 2011, 2017 and 2018. The fact that he’s seen as the top player in the league entering his age-45 season says a lot about the level of play he’s maintained this late in his career.

Of course, he was arguably robbed of the NFL MVP Award last year after he threw for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns while leading the Bucs to a 13-4 record. That came one year after winning his seventh Super Bowl ring in his first year with Tampa Bay. In that season, he threw for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns.

In explaining why Brady is viewed as the top player in the NFL heading into 2022, Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke shared an anecdote from his time in New England.

“The first time I ever stepped in the same area as him was when I went to New England in 2017. I got signed on a Friday and my first day was on the Saturday morning. I was like ‘I’m gonna be the first one in the facility [and] in the quarterback room,” Heinicke said. “So, I walk in at 5:15 in the morning and this dude has his feet up, coffee [and] film going. And he turns around and he’s like ‘Who are you?’ I introduced myself and I just sat down [and] watched film with him for 30 minutes. It was a really eye-opening, really cool experience. What an incredible career. He’s the G.O.A.T.”

Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea shared his own experience of being in awe of Brady when he first arrived in Tampa Bay.

“When he first came [to Tampa], it was crazy,” Vea said. “I’d be in my stance and he’d be under the center getting the snap count and I’d look up and like, ‘That’s Tom Brady right here.’”

Top NFL Players Crown Brady As No. 1 In The League — Without Hesitation

During NFL Network’s broadcast of the Top 100 list, a number of the league’s top players were shown casting their votes for Brady as the NFL’s top player.

“Tom Brady should probably be the No. 1 overall player,” Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons said.

“You can never count Tom Brady out,” Ravens defensive end Chandler Jones said.

“45, 46 years old… That dude is a monster, man,” Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard said.

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

“Tom. Tom’s got to go first,” Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon said.

“TB, bro,” Saints wide receiver Jarvis Landry said.

“In the league? Tom Brady,” Commanders guard Trai Turner said.

“I got to go with Tom Brady, man. He’s 80 years old throwing for 5,000 yards, man. I got to go with Tom Brady,” Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy said.

There wasn’t a lot of hesitation there. Of course, it’s not surprising that Brady has so much respect from players around the league. His work ethic and attention to detail are legendary, and his drive has paid off in the form of seven Super Bowls and three NFL MVP Awards.

Bucs Land Five Others On 2022 Top 100 List

Bucs WR Mike Evans and QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

While Brady was sat atop the NFL Top 100 List, the Bucs were well represented throughout the rest of the list as well. Two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Shaq Barrett was the first Buc to appear in the Top 100, coming in at No. 86. Third-year safety and 2021 Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield Jr. made his debut on the list, appearing at No. 75. Then, Devin White came in at No. 64 to round out the Tampa Bay defenders who cracked the top 100.

Mike Evans somehow dropped five spots in this year’s list, but still found himself at No. 53. The eight-time 1,000-yard receiver is probably being a bit overlooked in favor of other receivers on the list, but his consistency over his eight-year career continues to be remarkable. Between Evans and Brady was All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs, who jumped seven spots to No. 41 this year.

The Bucs having Barrett, Winfield, White, Evans and Wirfs on this list in addition to Brady bodes well as the team looks to return to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons. The pieces are in place for Tampa Bay to make a run for it and the team will attempt to do so with the league’s No. 1 player leading the way.

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