Tom Brady, the living legend quarterback of the New England Patriots, saw his favorite wide receiver, slot wizard Wes Welker depart in free agency to the Denver Broncos, one of New England's chief rivals in the AFC.
On a Boston radio show Brady said he was not surprised to see Welker, a longtime top contributor in the Patriot's devastating passing game, leave the team. "That's what happens. This is a, like I said, it's a very tough, competitive business, and nobody appreciated Wes more than I did and what he was able to accomplish for our team. He's moved on; he's in a good situation with another great team and a great quarterback. We always kind of kept in touch, we always will. He's one of my best friends."
Welker was unhappy with the Patriots' front office's refusal to give him the money he felt he earned by being one of the league's most prolific pass-catchers during his New England tenure. He will now be on the receiving end of passes from Peyton Manning, Brady's top foil since taking over the Patriots' offense in 2001.
Brady admitted that his friendship with Welker made the decision to let him walk very difficult. "Of course I have feelings, but those feelings are very personal to me," Brady said. "I used to get caught up in angry and disappointment, but I don't make the decisions. These things aren't up to me. At some point you've got to realize the things that are out of your control, you've just got to let go, focus on my job and what I need to do."
Welker will be replaced in the offense by Danny Amendola, whom some believe to be a sort of Welker clone. Brady cautioned that any comparisons are premature. While acknowledging the fact that Welker and Amendola play the same position and are roughly the same size, Brady said, I think it's unfair to compare anyone to Wes and what he was able to accomplish in his time here. Danny is really, he's just been fun to work with. I think he's come in with an open mind and an understanding of the way that we as Patriots, the way we need to play."
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