Alabama QB Taps Into Tom Brady’s Secret to Greatness originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
To reach the peaks of their sports, athletes must find personal motivations that drive them toward growth and success. The very best all seem to voraciously want more and push themselves, day after day, beyond even their expectations.
In an interview with Men’s Health, quarterback Keelon Russell, a true freshman with the Alabama Crimson Tide, explored his backstory and what inspires him to keep working to be the best player he can be.
Russell is one of the top 25 athletes from the Class of 2025, featured on the cover of Men’s Health.
Despite already possessing all the physical tools, such as height, speed and strength, Russell explained that he wants to elevate his mental game, like NFL legend Tom Brady, who could bring down a defense before the ball was even snapped.
Modern QB, Old-School Drive: Why Keelon Russell Is Ahead of the Game https://t.co/zxLV9SG1g0
— Men’s Health Mag (@MensHealthMag) June 26, 2025
“We all know (Brady) was a sixth-round pick, didn’t nobody believe in him—now he’s one of the greatest of all time. It gives me that drive—it touches my heart.” Russell said. “A coach told me Tom would study film all night, sleep in the film room. That’s one of the things that I take away from him.”
When Brady was with the Michigan Wolverines, he mostly played backup after taking a redshirt season. At one point, he was seventh on the team’s depth chart as he struggled to find his way. Brady famously competed for the starting job with Drew Henson and started his final two seasons with the Wolverines.
As a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots, Brady seemed to meet and eclipse every challenge that came his way through sheer determination of will. A seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP, Brady is considered the greatest of all time, “the G.O.A.T.,” not only at his position but among all NFL players.
While Russell’s aspirations are in the right place in admiring the traits held by Brady, the 18-year-old has a long way to go. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound signal-caller competes with Ty Simpson and Austin Mack to be Alabama’s starter. Most college football analysts view Simpson as the favorite.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer outlined a timeline in which the team would announce a starter, approximately a week before the season begins.
Related: Unexpected Contender Reportedly Emerges for Starting QB Position at Alabama
Related: Ex-Alabama QB Makes Feelings Clear About Ty Simpson After Ryan Grubb’s Comments
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.