Bucs' Arians: 'New England didn't allow' Brady to coach. I do

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game, head coach Bruce Arians praised Tom Brady's leadership abilities in contributing to the team's success. In fact, Arians believes he's allowed Brady to lead like never before.

"(Brady's) got the air of confidence that permeates through our team every day. I allow him to be himself. Like, (the) New England (Patriots) didn't allow him to coach. I allow him to coach. I just sit back sometimes and watch," Arians told Peter King of NBC Sports.

Linebacker Devin White echoed his coach's sentiments, complimenting Brady's leadership qualities and team-first attitude.

"(The) thing I love about Tom is he's always teaching," White said. "Teaching me how to be a great leader. Every single day, every single practice, he puts the team before himself."

White added: "(A) few weeks ago, I was kinda upset I didn't make the Pro Bowl. He's like, 'D, there's a bigger bowl I'm chasing. We're all chasing it. C'mon.'

"I just thought, 'Man, it's a blessing to hear that. I need to hear that.' This thing's about us. He's still chasing those bowls in his 40s. I am just so grateful to be able to spend this time with him."

Brady, 43, has enjoyed another stellar season after 20 years with the Patriots. He threw 40 touchdowns in 2020, his most since 2007. He also became the first quarterback in their 40s to register 40 scores.

The Buccaneers are set to take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in their first NFC title game since the 2002 season. The matchup will mark Brady's 14th conference title game but his first without the Patriots and Bill Belichick.