Tom Brady’s penchant for winning trophies is matched in equal measure by his sheer ability to inspire, just by his presence. When the NFL officially approved him as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, his arrival at the team facility provided a moment of pure motivation for the players and staff gathered. They were all eager to embark on a revival journey alongside the legend.
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But even the greatest need inspiration sometimes. And for TB12, that source was his older sister. All it took was a simple coin from her to keep his fire burning. The coin was so special for him that he kept it with him for 25 years.
In the first episode of Behind the Shield, the Raiders offered a full look at Brady’s first address to the organization. During his speech, he shared a personal story about his oldest sister, Maureen, a standout college softball pitcher. And, throughout her playing days, Maureen carried a special coin with her — a symbol of dedication and excellence.
When the Patriots drafted Brady in 2000, Maureen passed that coin on to her younger brother. An inspired TB12 has kept it with him since. For him, it wasn’t just a keepsake but a constant reminder of his commitment to greatness.
“My older sister was probably the best athlete in the family. Her last year of playing college softball was my first year going to the Patriots,” narrated Brady.
“She gave me a coin that she wore in her sock for every game. I took the coin and put it in my bag. That was 25 years ago. It’s been in my bag every day for 25 years. It said commitment to excellence. That’s what this organization is all about,” he added.
When Brady became a minority owner of the Raiders, he brought that coin with him as a symbol of what he stands for and what the organization has always represented. His goal is clear — to help restore the franchise to its former glory.
And Maureen, Tom’s source of inspiration, will now indirectly be part of the Raiders’ journey too. She played collegiate softball at Fresno State University, and, an All-American pitcher, she was inducted into the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.
Maureen now works as a nurse and a softball instructor in Bakersfield, raising her two daughters, Maya and Hannah, as a single mother. Both her daughters got her athletic talent. Maya plays softball for UCLA, and Hannah plays volleyball at the University of Michigan.
Back in Las Vegas, while Brady talks about restoring the Raiders to their former glory, he understands he cannot do it all himself.
Brady called for team effort to turn around the Raiders’ fortunes
Expectations for TB12 are sky-high, and it was evident in the faces of every Raiders staff member as they welcomed him into the fold. However, even for Brady, this challenge is too big to tackle alone. Turning around a franchise that has struggled for most of this century is no small feat — it will take time, patience, and a collective effort.
The three-time MVP emphasized this point, reminding everyone that football is the ultimate team sport.
“I’m not in here to solve every problem. I can’t do it anyway. If there is one thing I know about football, it’s the ultimate team sport. It takes every single person. It’s fu*kin hard. Every day is hard as an NFL player and an NFL organization. You know why it’s hard. Because that’s where the value is. If it was easy you wouldn’t value it,” said Brady.
The Brady era in Las Vegas has started on the right note with the hiring of culture-changing coaches like Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly and new GM John Spytek. TB12 and Spytek have worked together during his time in Tampa. The GM had played with him at Michigan.
The Raiders have also kept their pillar, Maxx Crosby, for a few more years. They have also traded for Geno Smith who will be their new QB for the coming season.
