Tom Brady joined an exclusive group on Sunday as he became just the fourth National Football League quarterback to throw 400 touchdown passes. Brady got his 400th touchdown just before the first half ended when he hit wide receiver Danny Amendola in the back of the endzone for a 1 yard score. The Boston Globe reported before Sunday’s game a little bit of foreshadowing on the part of Amedola when he said what he would do if he caught Tom’s 400th touchdown.
“That’d be nice [if it was me]. I know somebody on this team will. I’ll just shake his hand, or if it’s me, I’ll just give the ball to Tom.”
For his part, Brady downplayed the mark a bit and instead praised his teammates.
“I’ve played with so many great players, and I think anything that’s ever been achieved by me as an individual is just a reflection of what our team has been about. You’ve got to have everyone block, and you’ve got to have everyone do their job. However we can score points and win games, that’s what matters to me. It’s always what’s mattered most.”
Brady is now behind Peyton Manning, 533, Brett Favre, 508, and Dan Marino, 420, on the all-time touchdown list.
The man known in New England as Tom Terrific tossed his first touchdown back in 2001. Back then, he wasn’t flinging the ball around as much as he has in recent years. In fact, he didn’t have his first score until his third start in a game against the San Diego Chargers. Brady connected with Terry Glenn for a 21-yard touchdown.
Since then, Brady has thrown to 55 different receivers , including lesser known names like Matthew Mulligan, Bryan Tims, and Patrick Pass. The list also includes stars such as Randy Moss, Troy Brown, and Corey Dillon. The one player who has the most touchdown receptions from Brady’s golden arm is tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has caught 57 scores.
The 38-year-old leader of the Patriots may keep adding to his touchdown total for a few more years to come. Last year, Brady told WEEI that he wants to play for as long as he can .
“When I suck, I’ll retire. But I don’t plan on sucking for a long time.”
This latest milestone by Tom Brady just solidifies his place in NFL history. Where do you think Brady fits on the all time greatest quarterbacks list?
[Image by Jim Rogash / Getty Images]