Brady OK with not being highest-paid QB: 'My wife makes a lot of money'
Tom Brady may be one of the best players in the NFL, but he certainly isn't paid like one.
The New England Patriots quarterback ranks 17th at his position in terms of average annual value ($20.5 million) but has always applied a team-first approach to contract negotiations.
Being married to a world-famous model and actress doesn't hurt, either.
"I think the thing I've always felt for me in my life, winning has been a priority," Brady said when asked why he isn't the league's highest-paid player, according to NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman. "And my wife (Gisele Bundchen) makes a lot of money.
"I'm a little smarter than you think. Actually, it's a salary cap. You can only spend so much and the more that one guy gets is less for others. And for a competitive advantage standpoint, I like to get a lot of good players around me."
Brady, 41, is entering the final season of a two-year restructured deal signed in 2018 that carries a $27-million cap hit.
The six-time Super Bowl champion has previously stated he wants to play until he's 45 and insisted on Thursday that he isn't tired of playing quarterback.
"Not to this point," Brady said. "(To) give your team a chance to win every season, you have to put a lot into it. I try to bring my best every day. I try to be the best teammate, leader and also physically to stay prepared. No one wants someone that's taking up space.
"Damn it, I want to win! What's wrong with winning?!"