Tom Brady has fully invested in learning his new Buccaneers teammates since signing with Tampa Bay in March. It appears that investment is already paying off.
Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans raved about his new quarterback Tuesday in a video conference with reporters, admitting Brady already has become one of his "favorite teammates" despite their limited practice time together.
"He's the GOAT, on and off the field. It's crazy," Evans told reporters. "He's a superstar -- the most accomplished player in our game, in history -- and he's just like everybody else. Works extremely hard, he's always taking care of his body, he loves his family.
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"He's just cool. He's a down-to-earth guy. He's already up there as one of my favorite teammates, and we've only had a few practices together. So, that says a lot. I've learned a lot from him, and hopefully we tear it up this year."
Evans clearly appreciates that Brady -- despite his six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and status as the greatest quarterback of all time -- has his priorities in order and doesn't put himself above his teammates.
Oh, and Evans also doesn't mind that he's working with a "living legend" who can help the 26-year-old build off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons.
"It's cool. He's trying to turn me into a living legend as well, so I'm appreciative of that," Evans said.
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Brady has done more in the past with less talented wide receivers, helping unheralded wideouts like seventh-round draft pick Julian Edelman blossom into stars by demanding excellence from them at all times.
By most accounts, the 43-year-old QB already is developing a strong rapport with Evans, who seems to be taking quite well to his QB's leadership style.