50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Tom Brady
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) react from the sideline after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
No quarterback in the AFC East has ever won four Super Bowls let along win Super Bowl MVP all four times. Tom Brady, a 6th round draft pick of the Patriots in 2000, has locked up Hall of Fame consideration.
Over the last 14 seasons, the Brady led Patriots have dominated the AFC East. While 2015 will start with questions regarding his involvement in “deflate-gate” there is little doubt that he will once again headline the club throughout the season.
While many players in the AFC East are worthy of the top 50 in the division, Tom Brady stands above them in part due to his importance to the team, his historical achievements, and his overall consistent play.
4× Super Bowl Champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX)
3× Super Bowl MVP (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX)
2× NFL MVP (2007, 2010)
10× Pro Bowl (2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
2× First-team All-Pro (2007, 2010)
Second-team All-Pro (2005)
6× AFC Champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014)
3× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2002, 2007, 2010)
2× NFL passing yards leader (2005, 2007)
Ranked #3 in the Top 100 Players of 2015
Ranked #3 in the Top 100 Players of 2014
Ranked #4 in the Top 100 Players of 2013
Ranked #4 in the Top 100 Players of 2012
Ranked #1 in the Top 100 Players of 2011
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2005)
Sporting News Sportsman of the Year (2004, 2007)
AP Male Athlete of the Year (2007)
2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010)
3× AFC Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010, 2011)
AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009)
PFWA NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2009)
Bert Bell Award (2007)
New England Patriots all-time leader
(passing touchdowns, passing yards, pass completions, pass attempts, career wins)
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team