Tom Brady Sends Michigan Message Before National Championship Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 3:24 PM ET

Tom Brady carved out a legendary NFL career, winning seven Super Bowls, three MVP awards and being named a Pro Bowler 15 times. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he's likely to be a first-ballot selection when eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028.

Before he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he spent five years with the Michigan Wolverines. In his two seasons as the starter (1998 and 1999), he threw for 4,644 yards, 30 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also served as a backup during the Wolverines' national championship season in 1997.

Former NFL QB and current Fox broadcaster Tom Brady.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Now, Brady watches as the Wolverines chase a new national championship, this time in basketball. After being crowned the Big Ten regular season champion, Michigan entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest region.

Following their convincing 91-73 win over the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four, the Wolverines are squaring off against the No. 2 UConn Huskies with an NCAA title on the line. Before the game on Monday, Brady showed his support for his alma mater.

"No busted brackets over here… GO BLUE 〽️ @umichbball bring it home tonight!" he wrote via an Instagram post.

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While Brady prepares to watch his former school chase their second national championship win in program history, the Wolverines are listed as 6.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings.

It's viewed as Michigan's game to lose, as ESPN's matchup predictor also gives them a 69.7% chance of winning. Tipoff is scheduled for Monday at 8:50 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, airing on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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