"It’ll be the biggest mistake of your life": When Tom Brady's college coach stopped QB from making a grave error

Tom Brady’s journey from a sixth-round draft pick to the pinnacle of NFL legacy is admired by fans everywhere. However, the story of the seven-time Super Bowl champion might have turned out differently if not for his college coach at Michigan, Lloyd Carr.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports last year, the former Wolverines coach revealed how he almost stopped Brady from transferring. Carr recalled that Brady, frustrated by limited playing time, was ready to leave and try his luck elsewhere.

In response, Carr warned him, saying,

"It’ll be the biggest mistake of your life.”

Brady joined Michigan in 1995 but was benched during his first year. In his second year, he threw only five passes. Eager for more opportunities, he requested a release, but Carr had a different vision for him.

“You came here to be the best," Carr said. "You came here because of the great competition. ... If you walk away now, you’ll always wish you had stayed and tried to compete. You’ll always wonder what would have happened if you stayed.”

Carr left the decision up to Brady, making it clear he wouldn’t hold him back if he chose to leave Ann Arbor.

Moved by Carr’s message, Brady ultimately decided to stay.

“I’m staying,” he told Carr. “And I’m going to prove to you I am a great quarterback.”

Tom Brady finished on a high

In 1997, he saw limited action, completing 12 of 15 passes. Michigan clinched a share of the national championship that year. QB Brian Griese led most of the season.

In his junior year, Brady earned a starting role, completing 61.1% of his passes for 2,636 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His senior season was equally impressive, with 2,586 yards and 20 touchdowns, as he led the Wolverines to a 10-2 record. Brady closed his college career with a thrilling one-point victory over Alabama in the Orange Bowl.