#7
When Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Buccaneers during the 2020 offseason, his jersey number (12) was already being used by wide receiver, Chris Godwin. When asked if not wearing the number 12 would be an issue in signing with his new team, Brady replied, “No, I’m not going to take Godwin’s number, but can I have the number seven instead?” When Tampa Bay General Manager, Jason Licht, asked why, Brady said, “…because I’m going after that 7th Super Bowl.”
Brady wasn’t satisfied with just having a winning season or making the playoffs. He wanted to win the whole thing, and most importantly, believed he could do it. This type of confidence is one of the reasons Brady has more Super Bowl rings (7) than any other franchise has in league history. Few NFL evaluators would say Brady is the most talented quarterback of all time, but most certainly agree he is one of the best to ever play the position. Despite being drafted in the 6th round (199th overall), Brady has succeeded in the NFL and sustained a lengthy career, in part due to his mental toughness.
Just like physical skills, the mind can be developed or enhanced through training. The psychological skills of goal setting and imagery are pivotal in developing mental toughness, as evidenced by the previous story of Brady. Godwin eventually relinquished the number 12 to Brady; however, that is not the point. What’s important is that Brady saw himself hoisting the Lombardi Trophy long before it ever happened, creating the process in his mind.
It’s the same reason legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano’s first practice each season was to have his team cut down the nets. The team didn’t use a basketball at this practice, only a ladder and pair of celebratory scissors. Valvano wanted his team to see themselves winning the NCAA basketball tournament and make it clear this is what they would be working toward during the upcoming season.
What is it that you want to achieve? Close your eyes and see yourself doing it. Say it out loud, write it down, and practice it if you can. The more ways and more often you can tell yourself this story, the more likely it is that it will happen. And remember, Dream Big!
Coach Nelson holds a doctorate in sport and performance psychology and currently serves as a high school football coach. He has worked for multiple professional sport franchises, a Fortune 100 Company, a division 1 athletic departments and has won numerous awards for his LEADership abilities.
His mission is to positively influence the world through Love, Effort, Attitude and Discipline (#LEAD). To learn more about the LEAD philosophy follow him on Twitter Levi Nelson or reach out via email at rln10@zips.uakron.edu He’d love to learn about or help you in your journey!
PCA: https://www.positivecoach.org/team/nelson-levi/
The following podcast was used in developing this post:
King, P. (2021, January 27). Jets head coach Robert Saleh, Bucs Gm Jason Licht, and NBC’s Chris Simms. The Peter King Podcast. Podcast retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-peter-king-podcast/id1150960126
