It is common for the best of the best in a sport to reach out to their counterparts in other sports. Most of the time, it just goes as any interaction would. However, there are times when some meetings become moments to cherish for all time. Especially when it involves Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tom Brady, and soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele.
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Pele’s message to Brady comes ahead of his 10th Super Bowl appearance, back in 2021. Nascimento posted a video to his Instagram account, along with the caption “Tom Brady, my friend! I wish you success in your 10th NFL Super Bowl! After all, you know this is my lucky number, right?”
NFL recently shared that post through their Instagram account which was then reshared by Tom on his Instagram. Safe to say, it is no wonder Brady won, he had the legendary Pele rooting for him!
Unfortunately for fans of both sports, they will not be treated to any more of Pele’s encouraging words for other players. Nascimento passed away on December 29, 2022, due to multiple organ failures. He leaves behind him a legacy that will be difficult for anyone to even dream of achieving. He revolutionized soccer, and his achievements are forever immortalized in the history books of the sport.
Tom Brady might need Pele’s cheerful rooting ahead of the division decider
While one legend rests in peace, the other will no doubt be very nervous. As he should be, for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers is crucial to their playoff chances. With the season going so badly for him, he’ll want to make sure his team qualifies for the playoffs. This could also give him the chance to create a redemption arc for himself, a stepping stone for better days next season.
A win against the Panthers will seal the deal for the Bucs, giving them the division title and the playoff spot that comes with it. However, things can go horribly wrong too, as it often seems to happen with the Bucs. A loss would mean they no longer have full control over their playoff fate and will need the Panthers to either lose or win by a slim margin, their last game. That is if the Bucs win their last game.
With so many things out of their hands if they lose, Brady will want to settle this question as soon as he can. Will the Bucs make it to the playoffs? Or will they destroy the one good chance they have of competing for the Super Bowl, and prove to the NFL community why exactly they’re not the team to back anymore?
