CNBC contributor Suzy Welch talked with New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick about his success with quarterback Tom Brady in an exclusive interview. Unsurprisingly Belichick said that Brady was a “really special player to coach, works very hard, he’s very smart, he’s trained hard, he’s worked hard on his throwing mechanics, he’s worked hard on his mental understanding of the game and process. He’s earned everything that he’s achieved. But it wasn’t always there. “ And this is where Belichick revealed that Brady isn’t a great athlete.
He’s not a great natural athlete. He’s a very smart instinctive football player. It’s not all about talent. It’s about dependability, consistency, and being able to improve. Again, if you work hard, and you’re coachable, and you understand what you need to do, you can improve.
So there you have it. I really hope that reporters don’t get all up in Belichick’s grill about this comment and put it out of context. Let’s get something straight. To the average human being, Tom Brady is a superb athlete. If you compare him to other professional athletes, his athletic ability is pretty much horrible. I’m guessing this is what Belichick meant. But I also think that he meant that few if any people in the entire world have the complete package of learning ability and work ethic that a Brady does, traits that Belichick would take in a heartbeat over sheer talent.
P.S. it’s awesome seeing Belichick in blue jeans. Or in his case I’d rather use the word “dungarees.”
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