HOT GALLERY: Get to Know These NFL Power Players Before They Were Stars
The past 2012 NFL season got off to a shaky start when the replacement referees (brought in while the NFL negotiated with the usual starters) made some highly controversial (read: wrong) calls. And in 2013, two brothers go head to head, coaching the two playoff winners: The Ravens and 49ers. And both have their eyes on that coveted Superbowl title—what are the odds of that? Check out some of these NFL big shots—and a few future Hall of Famers—before they were stars... By Nina Hämmerling SmithIt’s hard to imagine, but Tom Brady flew very much under the radar as he entered the NFL back in 2000, when he was picked up in the sixth round—199th overall—by the New England Patriots. But something happened when Brady, filling in for then-starter Drew Bledsoe, began to work in earnest with mastermind coach Bill Belichick; Brady’s accuracy, consistency, and ability to adapt perfectly complemented Belichick’s brainy approach. Together, the two have created one of the most enduring franchises in NFL history and racked up an astonishing number of wins. Brady can boast some crazy statistics all to himself, including this one: He has led his team to the Super Bowl in half of his 10 seasons as a starter, winning three of them (and two Super Bowl MVP awards). He also shares several records with some pretty lofty company, including Joe Montana and John Elway.