Tom Brady gives pure Michigan-Ohio State rivalry answer when asked about Justin Fields
Tom Brady has never had an Ohio State quarterback start across from him in the pros.
Until Sunday.
Justin Fields, the No. 11 pick in this year's NFL draft, will become the first Buckeyes quarterback to start against the former Michigan football standout, when the Chicago Bears (3-3) visit the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1).
Fields of course led the Buckeyes to great success in his two years, including an appearance in the 2021 national championship game against Alabama.
TRENDING: Michigan football at midseason: 5 things I like, and 5 things I don't like
THE FRESHMAN: Michigan RB Donovan Edwards improvises while waiting to get more in-game reps
Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champ, was asked about his first start opposing an Ohio State quarterback Thursday at his Buccaneers news conference:
"I'm not gonna say anything too inflammatory about Ohio State. ... I'll have my time when we play Ohio State. This is Michigan State week, so those are the guys that I can kinda go after. That's interesting. Why is there not a lot of Ohio State quarterbacks in the pros? Lot of Michigan guys over here. Not a lot of Ohio State guys."
(Actually Tom, this is Northwestern week. Who's looking ahead to Michigan State next week?)
MORE: Tom Brady’s success could be a valuable NFL draft lesson for Detroit Lions
Tom Brady will face Justin Fields, the first Ohio State QB to start against the former Michigan star. His response is worth the time. pic.twitter.com/N4O5Emd3h4
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 21, 2021
Brady, of course, has been in the NFL since 2000, when he was drafted in the sixth round, 199th overall, by the New England Patriots, after leading the Wolverines to an Orange Bowl overtime victory over Alabama as a senior.
[ Remembering Tom Brady's NFL debut vs. Lions: Why wasn't he wearing Honolulu Blue & Silver? ]
This spring, the Bears traded up nine spots with the New York Giants for the right to select Fields as their new franchise quarterback, four picks after the Detroit Lions passed on him to take offensive tackle Penei Sewell.
The Bears beat the Lions, 24-14, in Week 4, with Fields making his second career start and throwing for 209 yards at 19 yards per completion on 11 of 17 passing with an interception.
The Lions remain the only winless NFL team at 0-6, and could draft a quarterback in either of the next two drafts in which they'll own an extra first-round pick in each.
BIRKETT: Lions may miss Matthew Stafford, but neither he, nor Jared Goff, are the answer
LIONS MAILBAG: On Deshaun Watson, No. 1 pick options and the 2022 draft's QB class
Stay informed on what's happening across Michigan: Subscribe to our news alert emails here.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tom Brady will start vs. Ohio State QB for first time in NFL
