Patriots Assistant: Tom Brady Is The Enemy

New England Patriots assistant coach Ivan Fears has been with the team before Tom Brady arrived at age 22 to when he departed at age 42, and will be on the sidelines to see the now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback on the sidelines as he plays at age 44.

The former wide receivers coach and longtime running backs coach had some thoughts to share with reporters on Tuesday as Brady returns to Gillette Stadium with the Buccaneers.

“I love Tom Brady. I always have. I spent 20 years with the young guy. I am very honored to have been a part of the team with him. I still think he’s the greatest. But right now, that SOB is the enemy. However you put it, he’s coming in, he’s the enemy. I still love him, I think he’s a great person, but we’re not going to be sharing any love when it comes to game time. We’ll share that love afterwards, when it’s all said and done,” Fears said. “I think he’s a great person, hell of a leader. I miss him as a person. Right now I’m happy for him, for the success he’s had. And I’m looking forward to trying to beat his butt. That’s what counts. That’s all that matters right now. We’re going after each other.”

The Buccaneers travel to face the Patriots with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday.

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