When The Boston Globe reported Wednesday night that quarterback Tom Brady was undergoing foot surgery -- news that has since been confirmed by ESPNBoston.com -- the first thought that came to mind was Brady's remarks from early September.
It was the Wednesday before the season opener and Brady was holding his weekly news conference. The big topic was his imminent contract extension and I had asked him if his business-based mindset had been altered by his major 2008 knee injury.
"That's a big part of it," he answered. "It's a physical game. I've had four surgeries in eight years -- my shoulder, my knee, my groin and one other one, too. All surgeries are major as far as I'm concerned.
"You count your blessings when you come off the field," he continued. "I think you have a new appreciation when you do come off the field, win or lose. You try to win, obviously, every time out, but I think you also pinch yourself every time you walk off the field healthy and say 'Man, at least I get a chance to go out next week and play also.'"
Based on Brady's comments to sports radio WEEI on Monday, this fifth surgery is unexpected.
"The one positive I said on the way home [Sunday] night is that the guys who come out of the [last] game healthy can really have a good offseason," he said on WEEI. "A lot of guys over the course of the season -- like Wes [Welker] last year, when you go through all that surgery and rehab -- fortunately based on what I've gone through before I won't have any of that. So I'll really be able to get working right away and work on becoming a better quarterback for our team next year."
This obviously alters his offseason plans. The Globe reported that as long as the bone heals properly, with no complications, Brady should be ready for the start of training camp.
It is significant news, because in Brady's own words, any surgery is major.