Tom Brady‘s astonishing longevity in the NFL was no accident, but the toll of 23 seasons in one of the most brutal sports on the planet has left visible scars. During a casual YouTube video with social media chef Nick DiGiovanni, the seven-time Super Bowl champion offered a rare glimpse at the damage his throwing hand has endured over the years.
As the pair took part in a cooking challenge, Brady‘s ability to handle hot waffles straight from the iron sparked curiosity. When DiGiovanni jokingly mentioned “chef hands,” Brady revealed something far more severe.
A Career Written in Scars
Brady displayed his right middle finger, emphasizing its inability to fully straighten. “See that finger?” he noted. “Can’t even bend that finger anymore. Torn ligament.” It’s just one of the numerous injuries the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has sustained over his illustrious career.
Throughout his time on the field, Brady endured various hand injuries, including multiple torn ligaments, a broken ring finger, and a deep cut across his palm.
One particularly severe incident occurred before the AFC Championship Game in the 2016 season, when his hand collided with teammate Rex Burkhead’s helmet buckle during practice. Despite requiring stitches, Brady powered through the pain and led the Patriots to an epic comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
Despite these brutal injuries, Brady‘s durability has been nothing short of remarkable. The only significant injury that kept him off the field for a prolonged period was a torn ACL in Week 1 of the 2008 season. Apart from that, he missed only 19 games throughout his career-four of which were due to the notorious “Deflategate” suspension.
The Cost of Greatness
Brady‘s revelation underscores the harsh reality of playing football at the highest level for more than two decades. His hands, marred by years of punishing battles, are a testament to the sacrifices he made for his sport.
While his career will always be remembered for his championships, records, and incredible resilience, the lasting damage to his body serves as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that even the greatest of all time cannot escape.
Now retired, Brady‘s hands may no longer be gripping footballs on Sundays, but their condition is a lasting symbol of his unparalleled dedication to the game.
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