Tom has been a chiropractic patient since his high school days in the Bay Area.
After his adjustment that day, I mentioned to him that he should meet Joe Montana, who had considerable experience in handling this exact kind of stress. [Joe Montana won four Super Bowl rings and was named game MVP three times. He was also voted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2000.] I told Tom that Joe could be of great help to him. He loved the idea, so I called Joe to set up their first meeting - at Joe's unbelievable 600-acre estate in the Napa Valley. Joe said he would love to meet with Tom and help him handle himself with his teammates, the media and the public.
Tom and I drove two hours up to Joe's ranch one hot day in July 2003. Overlooking the Napa Valley, we had a home-cooked lunch with Joe and his lovely wife, Jennifer (also a chiropractic patient), complete with appetizers, fabulous wine, and Italian music. It was great sitting between the teacher/mentor (Joe) and the student/pupil as Joe told Tom of things to do to keep from being so overwhelmed. Tom and I were all ears as we discussed Joe's career with the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, and about how he became a leader to his teammates.
Joe told Tom: "Make every practice a game situation. You can't go 75 percent of your ability in practice and expect to go 110 percent in the game. Take your offensive line out for dinners on the road and work out any problems with them. They will respect you more and work harder for you. Don't get down on players who drop the ball or miss blocks. Instead, keep going back to them and tell them that they can make the play if they focus more. You are good enough! Get to practice early, be ready to go, be prepared to stay late, and study game film."
Joe went on and on as Tom and I just listened to this awesome advice from the "master" of quarterbacks. By the time Joe was finished, Tom said he felt like a different person. He realized how to be more of a team leader, handle practice sessions, autograph signings, media issues, and teammates.
Joe and Tom remind me of each other - in fact, I think they have the exact same personalities! I felt like I was in the middle of a "passing of the torch" ceremony as Joe relayed to Tom all the advice he could in the short time we spent together that day. After we said our goodbyes, Tom and I drove home. Tom said he was completely amazed and in awe of Joe's estate, family, and what he had accomplished in pro football. He already seemed more at ease. Joe and Tom had exchanged phone numbers so they could talk to one another throughout the season, and also in case Tom needed help with anything.
Following that July 2003 meeting, Tom Brady took his 2003-2004 season to new heights, leading the Patriots to 15 straight wins and another Super Bowl championship. He has thanked me over and over for giving him the opportunity to meet Joe Montana and take his mindset to a new level.
It's wonderful to see two role models who are great endorsements for the NFL, and even more gratifying to see the profession of chiropractic endorsed by these same great athletes. The picture of the three of us represents the only time Tom and Joe have been photographed together.
It's great to see two fantastic NFL quarterbacks under chiropractic care. I love this profession!
Nicholas J. Athens, DC
San Carlos, California