Dear Tom,
Thank you. These were the first words that came to mind.
They aren’t too profound. But when thinking about what covers the bases for all in the NFL community — fans, reporters, rivals and the like — it seems to do it in the clearest, most concise and compelling manner.
For those who followed you from the initial days with the New England Patriots as a longshot sixth-round draft choice — when your agent told you it might be smarter for pick No. 199 to rent than buy — thank you for taking us all on a magical, memorable 20-year ride. Many feel a connection to you because of that.
Those who connected with the greatness the past two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers surely feel similarly. You helped restore the franchise, which hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2007, to relevance and greatness once again.
