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Tom Brady is often considered to be the NFL's G.O.A.T., and while he has had a stellar career with seven Super Bowl wins, it will be his graciousness in defeat that will help define his legacy.
The 45-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback may have been smarting from a 35-7 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, but the adulation of his opposition showed that Brady is humble in defeat.
Many of the 49ers, including rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who started in the NFL for the first time after being dubbed Mr. Irrelevant for being the last pick in the 2022 Draft, stopped Brady on the field post-game to share that they were in awe of facing a future Hall of Famer.
Brady, for his part, shared a generosity of spirit that saw him fulfill any requests made by the 49ers players.
@nfl everybody’s a fan of @Tom Brady ? #tombrady #micdup #buccaneers
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A video compilation posted on social media by the NFL showed Brady getting a glowing reception, with Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings, 25, greeting the Bucs quarterback with: "You the GOAT, bro."
Jennings then asked Brady to sign the jersey he was wearing, and the Bucs star duly obliged.
San Francisco guard Aaron Banks told Brady: "You mind if I get a picture with you? I'm just a huge fan, bro," while offensive lineman Spencer Burford said: "It was an honor to play against you."
Not seen in the video is linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who reportedly asked Brady to sign the ball he had kept after intercepting the NFL legend in the third quarter.
Greenlaw said: "Please, can you sign the ball, bro, please? You're the greatest ever, bro." Brady put his signature on the ball, despite the humiliating defeat.
The star of the show on the day, however, was Purdy, who completed 14 of 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover, as he deputized for Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, who are both out with season-ending injuries.
His touchdown pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk was the first regular season score ever thrown by a "Mr. Irrelevant".
After the game, Purdy celebrated the win against NFL legend Brady and said it was a "dream come true."
He told FOX: "It's crazy. I grew up watching him, seeing him make plays and win Super Bowls.
"So, to be out on the same field and being able to compete against one another, it's literally a dream come true.
"Very blessed, and I'm honored to play against him," Purdy added.
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