During his time with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2004 to 2014, offensive lineman Nick Hardwick admitted that he despised the New England Patriots and their veteran quarterback Tom Brady. According to Hardwick, he disdained Brady and the Patriots after the Chargers defeated them twice during his tenure. Hardwick’s team, then known as the San Diego Chargers, went 2-5 against the Patriots, including a 0-2 record in the playoffs.
“As a player and opponent, I used to despise them," Hardwick said in the column that he wrote as a fill-in for NBC Sports’ Peter Kings “Monday Morning Quarterback” column. However, Hardwick said he finds himself cheering for Brady and the Patriots especially now that the pain of defeat has already passed. Also, Hardwick said he now sees Brady and the Patriots in a different light in his new job as radio analyst in San Diego. “For one thing, Brady has done a great job of allowing us access to him as a human," Hardwick wrote, adding that “it’s hard to sustain hatred towards a human”.
Hardwick calls Brady ‘beyond impressive’
As of now, Hardwick said he devours any information he can get on Brady, whom he describes as “beyond impressive”. He also heaped praises on the Patriots, saying they are something to marvel at and learn from, except if they are playing the B. Last season, the Patriots defeated the Chargers, 41-28, in the NFL Divisional Round on their way to winning their sixth Super Bowl trophy.
Brady, other Patriots wish David Ortiz well
Several Patriots’ players, including Brady, wide receiver Julian Edelman and retired tight end Rob Gronkowski, wished Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz well after he was shot in the Dominican Republic on Sunday night. Ortiz is doing well and is recovering in Boston after the Red Sox sent their plane to the Dominican Republic to bring him to the United States.
Ortiz, who won three World Series with the Red Sox, is expected to make a full recovery.
On his official Twitter account, Brady posted “Papi defines Boston Strong... get well soon my friend!!!” while Edelman posted “Papi, all of New England has your back” on his Instagram account. Gronkowski relayed his message to Ortiz via his Twitter account, saying “thinking of you @davidortiz you’re a legend, friend and represent strength like no other! Get well soon, New England loves you.”
Patriots cancel OTAs
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick decided to cancel their remaining two days of organized team activities and start their summer vacation early before they buckle down to work in training camp in July.
But before they enjoy their vacation, the Patriots spent a day playing paintball. During their three-day minicamp, Brady had a chance to further connect with his wide receivers, especially with rookie N'Keal Harry.