How Former NFL Player Explained Controversial Tom Brady Take

Ryan Clark drew considerable scrutiny for his comments on Tom Brady and other iconic quarterbacks last week.

During a “First Take” segment about Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, Clark argued that Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning weren’t “generational talents.” The ESPN clip went viral, so the former Pittsburgh Steelers safety expanded on the debate during “The Pivot Podcast.”

“I feel like I just be saying things that are common sense, and then it turns out they’re not so much common sense,” Clark said. “I was just asked a simple question: Brady, Brees, Manning: Are they generational talents? And I said no.”

The conversation turned into a question of success versus natural ability. While Brady undoubtedly had a legendary career, Clark noted that the sixth-round pick hardly entered the NFL as a can’t-miss athlete.

“Hard work made Tom Brady special,” Clark said. “A will to win, dedication. He changed who he was. When you go 199th overall, the talent piece of your generational talent piece is missing. But he’s the greatest of all time.

“Drew Brees built himself into one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play this game. He’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. They’ve had generational careers, both individually and team success. But they are not generational talents, to me.”

Clark conceded that Peyton Manning, a former No. 1 overall pick, has more of a “generational talent” case. He cited John Elway, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers as generational quarterbacks before naming Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson and Junior Seau as athletes who could flourish in any era.

Carrying the conversation into basketball, Clark labeled LeBron James a generational talent but wouldn’t say the same for his favorite player, Kobe Bryant, despite having a “generational career.”

Clark explained that he loved watching Brian Dawkins because he thought he could emulate the Pro Bowl safety. On the other hand, he didn’t think he could replicate Sean Taylor’s physical prowess.

“When we say generational talent, it’s a person or athlete that has some things that can’t be taught,” Clark explained. “That can absolutely change the game.”