On April 15, 2000, it was not until the sixth round of the draft that Tom Brady was picked as the 199th overall pick by the team for which he would go on to win six Super Bowls. The reason? His not-so-impressive college record. Safe to say, his learning curve was not exactly steep early on, but it’s challenging times that give shape to icons like him. Brady’s field intelligence, work ethic, and sheer dedication stood with him through the worst times.

All of these qualities were inculcated under the guidance of Lloyd Carr. Carr joined the University of Michigan in the same year that Brady did. But during the four years the duo spent together, Brady collected the best learnings from one of the most iconic coaches in the history of Michigan varsity football.

Tom Brady’s fight for the starting position

Tom Brady started playing football at the University of Michigan in 1995, spending his initial 2 years as a backup QB. During that time, future NFL QB Brian Griese led the team to an undefeated National Championship in 1997. Due to him not getting a chance, Brady’s nerves got the best of him. He took counseling to overcome his anxiety and thoughts of transfer. Greg Harden, Brady’s life coach, pushed him through it, something that he often talks about.

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It was in 1996 that Brady appeared in his first collegiate game. After a lot of fights and tussles, especially with fellow teammate Drew Henson, Brady started each game in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. He set new records for most pass attempts and completions in a season, a whopping 214, in his first year as a starter. In his senior year, Brady led the team to a Big Ten conference title win, along with a Citrus Bowl win.

Brady’s notable accolades as the University of Michigan quarterback

The saga had just begun. During the 1998 season, Tom Brady set a school record for completion in a 31-16 loss against Ohio State. Brady had to again fight through the 1999 season with Henson for the position of QB when Carr made him exclusive after they lost their first game in the season due to Henson.

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Along with the Citrus Bowl, Brady also bagged the 2000 Orange Bowl against Alabama in an overtime victory. During his time at Michigan, Brady boasted of a 20-5 record, finishing third in franchise history for 710 attempts and 442 completions, fourth in yardage with 5,351 yards and 62.3 completion percentage, and fifth in touchdown passes (35). Along with all this, he was an All-Big Ten honorable mention both seasons.

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