Where Did Tom Brady Go To College?

Tom Brady is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, having won 7 Super Bowls over his 23-year career. But before reaching superstardom in the NFL, Brady played college football at the University of Michigan from 1995-1999.

When and Why Did Brady Choose Michigan?

Brady grew up in San Mateo, California and attended Junipero Serra High School. As a talented athlete and highly recruited high school player, Brady had plenty of options for where to play college ball.

He ultimately chose the University of Michigan for a few key reasons:

• Prestigious Football Program – Michigan has one of the most storied traditions in college football, and Brady saw it as a great chance to challenge himself against top-tier competition. Michigan also sent many players to the NFL.
• Academics – Brady valued education as well as athletics. Michigan is one of the top public universities in the United States.
• Opportunity to Play Early – Michigan’s starting quarterback in 1995 was graduating, which gave Brady the chance to compete for the starting job as a freshman or sophomore.

So in the 1994 recruiting cycle, Brady committed to play for the Michigan Wolverines under coach Lloyd Carr.

Brady took a chance on himself by picking a top-flight program like Michigan instead of accepting offers from other smaller programs. Little did he know back then how it would pay off down the line in the NFL.

What Was Brady’s Career at Michigan Like?

Brady had to spend his first two years at Michigan behind starter Brian Griese on the depth chart. But he still saw some game action in reserve duty.

Finally earning the starting job in 1998 as a sophomore, Brady thrived by passing for over 2,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, that season ended disappointingly when Michigan was upset in the Rose Bowl by Ryan Leaf and Washington State.

As a junior, Brady helped lead Michigan to an impressive 10-2 regular season record. In a memorable game against rival Ohio State, Brady led a furious comeback victory – forever cementing his Michigan legacy.

In Brady’s final college game as a senior in the 1999 Orange Bowl, Michigan defeated Alabama in overtime to finish 10-3. He wrapped up his impressive Michigan career as a two-year starter and successful Big Ten quarterback.

Did Brady Ever Consider Transferring from Michigan?

Throughout Brady’s career, he had to compete vigorously just to win and retain his job as Michigan’s starting quarterback.

Brian Griese was firmly entrenched as the starter when Brady first arrived on campus in 1995. And highly-touted recruit Drew Henson was signed as the QB heir apparent in 1998 and posed an annual threat.

So Brady was constantly fighting against the odds for playing time.

Most other players might have opted to transfer schools. But Brady remained loyal to Michigan, trusted the coaching staff, and worked relentlessly to improve his skills.

That persistence eventually paid off with Brady securing two years as the clear full-time starter. And he built a lasting legacy through key wins and memorable performances as a Michigan man.

So while it would have perhaps been easier for Brady to transfer elsewhere, he stayed patient and made the most of his chances with the Wolverines.

What Was Brady’s Reputation as a College Player?

Although Brady developed into a standout Big Ten starter, he wasn’t overly touted as an elite NFL prospect during his Michigan career.

In fact, many questioned Brady’s athleticism and upside:

Scouting Doubts Faced

• Unimpressive running speed
• Lack of mobility outside the pocket
• Arm strength limitations
• Lack of height at just under 6’4″

Due to those scouting doubts, most did not predict Brady becoming an early round draft pick. And almost no one would have imagined him one day competing for the title of greatest quarterback ever.

But Brady made up for any physical shortcomings with his intangibles:

Key Strengths Shown

• Intelligence/knowledge of the game
• Competitive fire and leadership
• Accuracy and good decision making
• Awareness and quick release

So although Brady did not appear to have the dazzling tools of other blue-chip quarterbacks, his makeup as a smart, accurate winner still shone through at Michigan.

And his college coach Lloyd Carr fiercely believed in Brady’s talents well before NFL scouts caught on. Those formative years learning at Michigan ultimately set Brady’s table for legendary NFL success.

Did Brady Play Any Other Sports at Michigan?

Brady is best known as a football star these days. However, during his freshman year at Michigan, he was also a member of the school’s baseball team.

Brady made Michigan’s baseball roster in the 1996 season as a backup catcher. And he continued playing baseball as a sophomore in 1997 while still performing backup QB duties for the football Wolverines.

But eventually Brady chose football full-time to focus his attention on winning the starting quarterback job, which he accomplished in 1998.

So while far from a standout college baseball player, Brady’s brief stint with the Michigan baseball team showed his impressive athleticism and competitive nature by trying to make two major college sports teams.

Did Brady Graduate from the University of Michigan?

Yes, Tom Brady completed his undergraduate degree at Michigan in 1999, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in general studies. Maintaining his education was a priority.

By graduating in just four years despite the intense demands on his time as the starting quarterback, Brady displayed his trademark work ethic and time management skills.

Brady remained committed to finishing his Michigan degree program even when his NFL dreams beckoned just around the corner. He has mentioned leveraging summers and football trips to travel with textbooks in order to keep up with classes.

So Brady enter the 2000 NFL Draft as a decorated Big Ten starting quarterback with a Michigan diploma in hand – a nice accomplishment just months before he’d shock the football world by becoming an improbable 6th round pick of the New England Patriots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tom Brady chose to attend the University of Michigan coming out of high school because of its prestige as a football program and academic institution. Although Brady had to wait his turn on the depth chart, he eventually became Michigan’s starter in 1998 and held that role through an impressive 20-5 run.

Despite not being highly touted as an NFL prospect, Brady’s intangibles and work ethic shone through at Michigan. His coach Lloyd Carr believed in his abilities. Brady also showed his athleticism at Michigan by playing both football and baseball initially.

Ultimately Brady completed his general studies degree in just four years while starring as the football team’s signal caller. Brady’s time at Michigan prepared him well for the leap to shocking NFL glory soon thereafter.

FAQs About Tom Brady and Michigan

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tom Brady’s college football career at the University of Michigan.

Did Brady break any Michigan records?

Brady did not break major Michigan football records, but still put up impressive career numbers:

• Ranks 9th in passing yards (4,773)
• Ranks 6th in passing TDs (30)
• His 443 pass attempts as a senior rank 5th most

So while not owning major records, he made his mark among the best in Michigan’s long history.

What was Michigan’s record with Brady as starting QB?

The Wolverines went 20-5 in games started by Brady over his two years as the primary starter in 1998-1999.

The team won impressively with him at the helm, capturing two bowl game victories. This clearly paved the way for Brady’s rise from disputed starter to eventual team captain as a senior.

Did Brady play against any famous college players?

Yes, during Brady’s career he played against several guys who went on to NFL fame:

• Drew Brees (Purdue): Passing duel between future NFL legends
• Champ Bailey (Georgia): Matchup vs premier CB in 1999 Bowl
• Randy Moss (Marshall): Brady lost head-to-head matchup in 1998

So Brady frequently went up against other talents bound for football glory during his time in school.

Was Lloyd Carr a good college coach?

Lloyd Carr was considered an excellent coach coming off a national championship at Michigan prior to coaching Brady. He tallied over 120 wins while maintaining high graduation rates.

Carr oversaw the development of numerous NFL players. Despite not always initially naming Brady starter, Carr helped guide Brady’s path to NFL readiness.

So Carr maintained Michigan’s standards for success, while enabling Brady’s quarterback rise.

How good was Brady projected to be in the NFL Draft?

Brady was not seen as a top-flight NFL prospect out of Michigan. Many questioned if he had the tools or upside to succeed at the pro level.

He was lumped in scouting reports as just a late-round possibility due to perceived athletic deficiencies. This resulted in Brady shockingly waiting until the 6th round pick #199 to hear his name called.

But Brady’s college coach Lloyd Carr insisted his intangibles would allow his skills to shine through over time in the NFL. Very few saw Brady’s meteoric rise to superstardom coming. But his Michigan experience helped pave the way.