In an unexpected revelation, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer guard Ali Marpet recently disclosed a unique strategy employed by NFL superstar Tom Brady.
Speaking on the Wam Bam podcast, Marpet shared that Brady promised substantial incentives to his team’s offensive line for executing successful screen passes.
To boost the Buccaneers’ offensive line performance, Brady offered a not-so-insignificant lure.
Marpet recalls, “He took our starting offensive line to the side and said, ‘Hey, if you guys can get a screen to go for more than 15 yards, I will give you each $1,000 cash.'” “‘That is for you guys, so every time that we get that, I will be happy to make that payment.’”
probbaly offered fournette a 100,00 in 2022 if he could get more than a yard on a carry
— Bruce Wayne (@BruceWa43455743) April 18, 2024
While Marpet didn’t disclose when this strategy was first implemented, it’s clear that Brady saw a need to shake things up.
With a sizable bounty at stake, the Buccaneers’ frontline did not disappoint. It seems the 15-yard screen plays were executed more successfully multiple times, presumably leading to a windfall of payouts from Brady himself.
Marpet said there were “multiple” plays that met the standard for payment. “Tom just knowing how guys are wired and what goes a long way and inspiring and getting the most out of his guys,” Marpet said.
This incentive system might raise some eyebrows, particularly after the infamous 2012 ‘Saints bounty scandal’.
Making extra payments under the table to players for specific outcomes does technically implicate NFL’s rules, no matter the intention.
Despite the potential infringement of rules, it’s unlikely that the NFL will take any action. There may even be whispers that similar practices are prevalent within the NFL on a hush-hush basis.
