Tom Brady’s former backup unveils the GOAT’s secret to staying warm in icy conditions
Former Tom Brady's backup, Matt Cassel spilled beans on how the legend managed to thrive in the winters of Massachusetts with a wetsuit story.
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Tom Brady’s secret to staying warm in icy conditions revealed by Matt Cassel (Via CBS Sports/UPI)
Among his many challenges, transitioning from the warm, long Summers of San Mateo, California to the typically icy conditions of Massachusetts is certainly the most underrated challenge. But only because the legendary Tom Brady made it appear easy until his former backup, Matt Cassel spilled the beans on how the former NFL quarterback managed to thrive in the winters of Massachusetts.
In a recent appearance on the “Lots to Say” podcast, Cassel, who served as a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, recounted a memorable moment from his time with Brady, who taught him a unique method of staying warm during frigid games. He described a particularly cold game where the temperature dipped to 17°F, accompanied by a cold breeze and sleet.
While wondering how to even step out of the locker room, he saw the seven-time Super Bowl champion pumped up and preparing for the game. But that wasn’t the thing Cassel was surprised, he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Brady donning a half-wetsuit for the chilling condition outside. But it turns out that was his cheat code or rather the brilliant idea.
“It is an absolute game-changer,” said the former backup QB about the half-wetsuit.
Because you put that on and it just—the heat is insulated inside your body and you don’t feel the elements like you would if you just wore a normal type of cloth.
Matt Cassel added
.@TomBrady was always a step ahead during those cold winter games. 🤫❄️
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2025
Full story on "Lots to Say" with @M_Cassel16 & @mrBobbyBones ➡️ https://t.co/ntTF8HmPfm@Patriots | @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/DalwoWXtjw
And that’s something that always stayed with Cassel as he adopted this technique throughout his own career, wearing a wetsuit during cold-weather games and even passing the tip along to his teammates.
Tom Brady’s former backup, Matt Cassel’s journey from backup to breakout
Cassel’s journey in the NFL began by learning from the winningest quarterback of all time, as he sat behind Brady for four years before he got the big break in 2008 when the Patriots’ then-starting quarterback sustained a season-ending ACL injury. Shortly after he landed in Kansas City Chiefs, which is though known by Patrick Mahomes today but once thrived under Cassel.
A year later he broke a near-decade-long draught of divisional title in 2010, earning his first Pro Bowl selection as well. Interestingly, he became teammates with Bernard Pollard, who was criticized for hitting Brady in 2008 which resulted in an ACL rupture and Cassel’s big break.
In an interview, the Detroit Lions backup quarterback even jokingly thanked Pollard for landing him the first chance to demonstrate his skills as a starter. However, on a serious note, he also defended his teammate by explaining that the hit on Brady was unintentional.
Related: Jalen Hurts addresses knee injury ahead of NFC Championship after divisional win over Rams
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2141 Articles Published)