MVP feels the magic at Disney

By Jerry Brewer, Orlando Sentinel, 2/5/2002

AKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Between shocking the world and becoming the new target for single females, Tom Brady squeezed in maybe two hours of sleep.

He doesn't remember his dream. He doesn't need to.

''I think this whole week has been a dream,'' the Patriots quarterback said. ''It's something you don't want to wake up from.''

Brady, 24, became the youngest quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory, spearheading a riveting 20-17 upset of the St. Louis Rams Sunday night. The game's MVP was at Disney World yesterday, still reveling in the moment.

He seemed a little embarrassed by all the attention, as if he shouldn't have been the only Patriot here to receive all the applause.

''Relax, Tom, you're the MVP!'' one fan shouted as Brady was doing an interview. ''You can do no wrong now!''

And to think that only a year ago, Brady was in less dignified company, sitting at the table of backups and no-names, trying to find a way to complete a meaningful pass in a meaningful game.

About this time last year, Brady was in Las Vegas, enjoying the offseason, watching the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV, and wondering what it would be like to play in such a game.

Yesterday, he was here, listening to people call him a hero, looking at signs that read, ''Thank You, Tom,'' and grinning as a female asked: ''Tom, will you marry me?''

Brady remembers the origins of his success. It was Week 3, against Indianapolis, his first start for the injured Drew Bledsoe. On the first play, defensive end Brad Scioli sacked him.

Of course, that was about the worst thing that happened all game. By the end, Brady was celebrating a 44-13 victory. ''We had it going from that day on,'' he said.

He has reinforced the notion that being a successful quarterback is about more than physical ability, reputation, arm strength, or 40-yard dash time.

''I'm kind of a guy that gets it done just trying to get everyone else going,'' Brady said. ''It just makes it that much more fun. It's a team game. And to be a part of a team that wins nine straight games and wins the Super Bowl, it's probably my best accomplishment.''

Probably?

''To win a Super Bowl, that's incredible,'' Brady said. ''But to win another one wouldn't be bad. I still got a lot of years to play.''