<center>![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSGhMDGcdBEQNhmBYEAuUvrrEYWu4W4rnUbLxyqEHG3m4/image.png)
(Image via ESPN.com)</center>

It's Tom Brady's 40th birthday today and the seemingly ageless Patriots quarterback just keeps getting better. I was reading a collection of anecdotes and stories from some of  Brady's family and friends.

This story from legendary Patriots linebacker and occasional tight end Mike Vrabel especially had me rolling.

>My indoctrination to the goal-line [offense]: I had maybe caught a couple touchdowns and was feeling pretty good about myself, and we went to practice one day and I broke free on a crossing route or something like that. So I start yelling, 'Tom! Tom! Tom!' and I'm waving my hands. But he doesn't throw it to me. I come back, and we're in the huddle when he says, 'Mikey, if you ever wave your f---in' hands and ask for the ball again, I'll never throw it to you. I know who's open. I'm the quarterback, I'll throw it to whoever the f--- I want!' That was the last time I ever called for the ball.

The [entire read from Mike Reiss of ESPN.com](http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20222434/tom-brady-40th-birthday-stories-never-heard-nfl-2017-new-england-patriots) is certainly worth your time, Patriots fan or not.

My story isn't nearly as funny,  but shows you the kind of person Brady is.

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaL3r43iYH6vWBwZKGPv19MQqKHcCNymGrLQXWiqYGx4D/image.png)

I was invited to my first training camp with the Patriots in 2013 by Stacey James (head of media relations) and was feeling a bit out of place, still learning the ropes of real-world journalism. 

One of the first days, all the media were assembled on the Gillette Stadium field for interviews.

We talked with assistant coaches first - chatting with Matt Patricia was incredible - and eventually some players made their way out as well. Vince Wilfork drew a large crowd, but Brady had by far the biggest. 

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbq4cuss1yn38PZzEHceB5YWcsJJ5u2LQ3uw8PZ7XLdAx/image.png)

Having interviewed my fair share of athletes, large mobs of media usually result in curt answers and a defensive subject. Brady couldn't have been any more patient and calm. He took our questions, made eye contact with each of us and gave thoughtful answers.

After his time was up he thanked us for coming out on such a hot day - it was sweltering - and jogged off the field.

It's such a simple thing to treat people with dignity and respect, but far too often it flies under the radar. An incredible experience was made even better when a hero of your son's lives up to the hype.

![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNuAMdtXEFJ1mUazRodMPPNdBfATdwj9J1ETRQDUgfqA5/image.png)