One of the more compelling recurring themes in “It’s Better To Be Feared,” ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham’s thorough and thoughtful book on the dynastic Patriots, is that Tom Brady’s rise to becoming a football and cultural icon doesn’t have a singular origin story.
There were moments when he announced his arrival (the final drive of the Super Bowl XXXVI of the Rams) and moments when he ratcheted up his performance to another level, and then another level beyond that (the vengeful 2007 regular season).