Kevin VanDam and Tom Brady are champions of their respective sports, and a gracious demeanor grounded in relationships with family and friends ever-stabilizes the sea of their success.
No huge surprise, Kevin VanDam is a big fan of the Patriots' star quarterback. Mainly because when they shook hands nearly eight years ago, Brady and VanDam got along well, and mutual respect was easily sensed.
VanDam met Brady at the 2002 ESPY Awards and became an instant fan of the 2-time Super Bowl MVP. "He and his teammates made me feel like they respected that I made a living as a professional bass fisherman," said VanDam.
"Tom had a lot of his family there at the ESPY Awards, and we got to spend a lot of time with them. He comes from a great family. While he could have a giant ego, he does not. He was actually fascinated by the fact that I'm a professional fisherman," said the holder of multiple Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles.
Brady will lead his team to the playoffs again, despite a season that has had its share of challenges, including what appears to be a season-ending injury for his star receiver Wes Welker.
"I started rooting for him while playing here for the Michigan Wolverines. I've admired how he handles himself throughout his college and pro career. He's always modest and quick to give credit to his offensive line, his receivers, and his running backs," explained VanDam.
Maintaining intensity is a trait we've come to know VanDam for, and not surprisingly, he sees the same in Brady. "Like me, Tom only worries about the things he can control. He doesn't seem to get rattled when he throws an interception, and I don't get rattled by bad weather. You can tell Tom isn't fazed by the uncontrollable. He maintains intensity, and I respect that," said bass fishing's Mr. Intensity.
"I wear a Patriots jersey because of Tom Brady. If he got traded to Team X, I'd be a fan of Team X," concluded VanDam.
Tom Brady and Kevin VanDam. They are winners, and they treat those around them like winners too.
