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Unitas vs. Brady: One columnist says it's no contest

As we move closer to the Super Bowl, there will be the obvious discussion of what a fourth Super Bowl victory will do for Tom Brady's legacy.

There is a reasonable argument that Brady has already established himself among the all-time elite at his position -- top 10, top five, approaching even THE BEST -- certainly based on wins and losses, championships and individual statistics.

But there are some some diehards who argue that Brady does not match up to the best quarterbacks of previous generations -- and, in particular, to Johnny Unitas, who Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke calls football's Babe Ruth. Plaschke makes the argument that in every phase of the game, from calling his own plays to surviving the violence of the pocket to the challenge of throwing to receivers being pummeled downfield, Unitas had more to overcome than Brady, and did so in a fashion that remains memorable nearly a half-century later. 

Take a look and choose sides.

Photo credit:  (Unitas, Brady) Associated Press

 

 

 

Comments

It is near impossible to compare skills against time. Have the people weighing these comparisons ever played the game? On Turf? In below zero degree temperatures? On a muddy field? I have family ties to Baltimore and nostalgic memories of Unitas but...he had fewer games per season, outdoor weather can work in your favor as well, the receiver on a muddy field has the advantage against the poor footing of the defensive player, offensive linemen today can't get away with the holding of yesterday, the bigger/stronger linemen barreling in on you have sure footing every play with artificial turf, the science enhanced skill of today's players. On a pertinent yet separate note...to compare Tom Brady with A-Rod is a travesty, A-Rod fails in the big games and Brady assails in the big games, Brady turns aside money for the benefit of the team/game, A-Rod turns aside his team and the game for the benefit of himself and more money, Brady is studying game films while acting responsibly in his personal life while A-Rod hits the strip clubs with a blonde not his wife. Johnny Unitas is a legend with a time tested legacy and Tom Brady is a legend building a legacy during our time. Each of these heroes of the game have a steadfast place in the history of the game...side by side.
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Jay,
I agree with you that Tom Brady and A-Rod should not be compared.
-- Bill O.

I would not call Tom Brady a moral role model. Granted his life is not the party life of A-Rod. But, it's still not a lifestyle I would want my children to emulate. Also, if you have been following the circus with him and the boot, Brady has not been staying home all the time watching game film. He was out and about in New York City with his girl friend. He just didnt leave the country for Mexico like Romo did.

I agree that it's stupid to compare Brady and A-Rod, but I would disagree that Brady is "acting responsibly in his personal life". He fathered a child out of wedlock, and isn't even with the baby's mother anymore - in fact, he's dating someone else. It's not the worst thing in the world, as long as he's being a good father to the kid, but it's not exactly responsible.

Yes, fathering a child out of wedlock could be questioned...but just for that reason may be all the more why he is a role model...he was at the mother's side for childbirth and has been there as a stand up guy taking care of his responsibility...you heard of no child support wars in the tabloids and no ugly headlines. Even if my child had "stumbled" in having a baby out of wedlock I would be all the more proud of being their parent when they fulfilled their responsibility. A child coming in to this world to the love and financial responsibility that these two parents offer cannot, in my eyes, be viewed as a mistake...and just think of the genetics ;) of the loving parents, maybe the future Brady will be passing for the Colts or Ravens someday. I do miss the heritage of the Baltimore Colts.
Blessings to all

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About this blog


O, by the Way: Bill Ordine has been a reporter and editor for more than 25 years and during that time has covered Super Bowls, major murder trials, township zoning board meetings and bat mitzvahs. In his five years at The Sun, he has been an assistant city editor, pro football writer, poker columnist, enterprise sports reporter and now blogger -- which may indicate his editors have yet to find a job he can get right. E-mail Bill.

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