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Tom Brady has weighed in on the current state of quarterback play in the NFL, expressing admiration for the physical skills of today’s players-but also concern that their mental preparation isn’t keeping pace.
Speaking on Cris Collinsworth’s podcast, the seven-time Super Bowl champion reflected on how much the position has changed since he entered the league. In his view, quarterbacks in the past were expected to master the mental aspects of the game first-something he fears is being neglected in favor of physical attributes.
“I don’t believe the quarterback position is as mentally developed as it was when I entered the league 25 years ago,” Brady said.
“There was a premium on understanding defenses, on understanding matchups, on I’d say pre-snap reads, getting your team in and out of the right play, and I felt the way I learned to play the position over a period of time . . . you’ll truly give your team the best chance to win, to be a field general.”
Brady explained that early in his career, much of his growth came from studying defensive strategies, making adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and managing the flow of the game-traits he believes are now often overlooked during scouting.
Because he wasn’t known for his athleticism, Brady said he was forced to sharpen his mental approach more than others.
“I think you better have a mental advantage on the field and I think sometimes that’s more important than the physical advantage,” Brady said. “Now did I wish I could have run? of course I wished I could have run. But because I couldn’t run, I had to double down on those things more than anybody else.”
While Brady admitted that mobile quarterbacks are some of the most exciting athletes to watch, he questioned whether their playing style supports long-term success.
“I think it’s terrible for the longevity of a quarterback,” Brady said of running the ball. “It’s certainly very exciting, and it’s fun to watch.”
He emphasized that, for him, the most rewarding part of football is seeing a quarterback stay calm under pressure, scan the field, and make the right decision. That type of disciplined execution, he believes, is becoming more rare in younger quarterbacks entering the league.
Brady’s comments may also shed light on decisions made by teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who chose not to draft prospects such as Shedeur Sanders. Though Sanders is recognized for his athletic ability, Brady’s perspective highlights how decision-makers might prioritize mental acuity and leadership potential over raw physical skills.
For Brady, success at the quarterback position comes from mastering the cerebral side of the game-something he believes still holds more value than speed or arm strength alone.
