K.J. Britt reflects on his experience playing alongside Tom Brady during the Bucs' 2021 season, highlighting Brady's intense preparation and commanding presence on the field.
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass — K.J. Britt's introduction into the National Football League was a unique one.
And that's because he got to play on the same team as the greatest quarterback of all time: Tom Brady.
Brady's success wasn't just luck, as the quarterback worked tirelessly day in and day out, which was certainly something Britt picked up on from that first practice.
"His preparation. He's prepared," Britt said on Tuesday. "He was fun to play with, how he commanded the field. When he took the field, he had an aura around him that was like 'here we go.' It was just good. I was a young player, so really didn't know. Thought it was a standard, but it was good to see."
And with that, there was one game that Britt will always remember as it marked one of the most anticipated games of the entire 2021 NFL Season. Brady made his return to Gillette Stadium during Week 4 of that season, facing off against his former head coach and team.
"That was crazy. I'll never forget that game," he said. "It was a Sunday night game. And that whole week of practice, just the urgency that Tom had. How much that coming back and to win here for Tom, how much it meant for him."
The Buccaneers came into that game favored to win, with Brady throwing for 269 yards and no touchdowns. As for Mac Jones, who was a rookie at the time, he recorded 275 yards and two touchdown passes. But, it was a missed 56-yard field goal attempt by Nick Folk that handed Brady and Tampa Bay the 19-17 win.
"I remember that week of preparation. It was fun. Everybody wanted to go out and win for Tom," Britt added. "And we got the win. And it was a hard, it was a good game, and I'll never forget it."
During his time playing with Brady, there wasn't much talk about his past with the Patriots. However, the accomplishments spoke for themselves.
K.J. Britt learned the importance of preparation and observed Brady's commanding presence on the field.
Tom Brady's leadership provided K.J. Britt with a standard to aspire to as a young player in the NFL.
Tom Brady's return to Gillette Stadium in 2021 marked a notable moment in his career, showcasing his legacy and connection to the New England Patriots.
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"When we were there, we were more focused on winning there. But everybody knows, this is a historic organization. Six rings, lots of winning," he said. "We didn't have to ask much. You know what it takes to win in this league. Takes sacrifices and takes relationships, and it takes a team.
"So being able to play with Tom, knowing that's the formula that helped him in his career. You always have your curiosity about what it's like up there."
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: K.J. Britt revisits Bucs' win in Tom Brady’s 2021 Gillette return