New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady skipped the team’s voluntary offseason workout to spend more time with his family. However, this doesn’t mean that Brady will rest on his laurels after winning his sixth Super Bowl ring. It was earlier reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media that Brady, who will enter his 20th season in the NFL, plans to beef up his 6-foot-4 frame in preparation for their Super Bowl title defense.
Mike Giardi of NFL Media revealed the reason why Brady wants to add more pounds and bulk up his 225-pound frame. It was also Giardi who broke the news that Brady won’t participate in the Patriots’ voluntary offseason program. In an NFL Network report, Giardi said Brady aims to add more weight to get up to 232 or 233 pounds when the season starts. Brady decided to take on additional pounds after he lost too much weight and strength during the course of last season. To avoid a repeat, Giardi said the 41-year-old Brady is constantly tinkering with his workout, but he plans to start the season with a heavier frame.
Giardi added that Brady will be present when the team begins its three-day mandatory minicamp on June 4.
Brady in great mental shape
Giardi stated that Brady is also in great mental shape, as evidenced in his interview with the Jimmy Kimmel last week. According to Giardi, Brady is feeling the love and appreciation from the organization after leading the Patriots to their sixth Super Bowl trophy. When the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, Giardi said the organization had a different feeling about Brady. “It’s funny what winning a Super Bowl will do for you,” said Giardi. Aside from being on "Jimmy Kimmel," Brady was all over the place. He was seen attending the Kentucky Derby with several current and former Patriots teammates.
Brady also attended the Met Gala with his wife, former supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Patriots release receiver Bruce Ellington
The Patriots have started trimming their roster by releasing wide receiver Bruce Ellington after signing him as a free agent on March 19. The move created an opening on the Patriots’ 90-man roster. With Ellington’s release, the remaining receivers on the Patriots' roster are Julian Edelman, rookie N’Keal Harry, Xavier Ubosi, and special-teamer Matthew Slater. The 27-year-old Ellington was selected 106th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2014 NFL Draft. He played three years with the 49ers before joining the Houston Texans. After he was released by the Texans in 2018, he joined the Detroit Lions, where he played in four games, recording 23 catches for 132 yards.