Johnny Sexton had never heard of NFL legend Tom Brady until seven years ago – By now, Ireland’s rugby talisman must be sick of the comparisons between the pair.
Sexton, 38, will have a hard time escaping their pursuit if he becomes the oldest player to win a World Cup when he lifts the Webber Ellis Cup on Oct. 28. Brady, 43, holds record as oldest player to win a Super Bowl – He won one of seven games.
Sexton was once more in awe of All Blacks lock Brad Thorn, 36, who lifted the World Cup in 2011 – The oldest person to do so.
However, all that changed in 2016 when former England manager and self-proclaimed NFL enthusiast Stuart Lancaster joined Sexton’s Leinster club.
“Stewart got me hooked on Tom Brady,” he told Sexton, then 32, in February 2018. “I don’t know Brady personally. “I haven’t watched any football, but he is the most successful quarterback in NFL history. “
The savvy Lancaster struck the right chord.Nothing motivates Sexton more than making history or being the best at something – Though the half-fly’s long-suffering wife Laura won’t be happy.
“Stewart convinced me that I was going to play until I was 40 and my wife was going crazy!” Sexton said. “I’m looking at his (Brady) situation and trying to figure out how to extend my career as long as possible.”
Lancaster said after getting to know Sexton, it was obvious how much the two sports greats had in common. “I can see the comparison,” Lancaster said in 2018. “Honestly, I can.
“When I started watching the (New England) Patriots and seeing how they went to five Super Bowls and Tom Brady was the quarterback that did it, I could see that. “I was always looking for clips. and send them to Johnny. “
Listen: Exposing Ben O’Keefe
Listen up: France on red alert over brutal Boks
Sexton has certainly read the right books about extending his career as he prepares to lead his side into Saturday’s quarter-final clash with the All Blacks.
However, he eased Laura’s anxiety by saying that 40 was beyond his capabilities and once the final whistle blew for Ireland in this tournament it might not be the time for pipes and slippers, but it would be time to hang up the boots. .
Sexton even used Brady’s words to inspire his Leinster team-mates after a big win – 2018 European Champions Cup.
“Johnny spoke to us in the locker room and quoted Tom Brady saying that after he won a Super Bowl he wanted to win the next Super Bowl and not reflect the one that had just gone away,” hooker James Tracy recalled road.
“It’s all about legacy and how many wins we’ve had.”
Sexton reminds others of Brady – Like being the undisputed number one in Ireland and staying there. Billy Burns, Ross Byrne, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty and Ian Madigan all had attempts, but as Sexton maintained his high standards they all give up halfway.
“Ten, in terms of key decision makers, they’re your quarterback – Like Tom Brady, people have been dissing him for the past six seasons, but he keeps proving people wrong and then comes back and he’s 42 now? ” said 2020 Leinster Director of Rugby Leo Cullen.
“I think Johnny sees himself as being in this model. “It’s the ability to think. “
For Sexton’s former Leinster and Ireland team-mate Jamie Heaslip, Brady had this in mind when he was asked if the Ireland captain was under threat ahead of last year’s Six Nations.
“Johnny is the GOAT. He’s not going anywhere,” Heaslip said. “He’s the Tom Brady of the IRFU now and he’s not going to give up that jersey. “He’s ahead of everyone else right now.”
Sexton did not disappoint Heaslip.Hail Mary or two – Pray, not pass – His final dream can be seen coming true in fairytale Brady fashion.
© AFP
Photo: Christian Peterson/Getty Images/AFP