LETTERS

I sadly remember how underappreciated Tom Brady was at Michigan. Like so many Wolverines fans, I'm glad he chose to stick it out in Ann Arbor instead of transferring in search of more playing time. He continues to represent the Wolverines well by being one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Adam Sutter, Farmington Hills, Mich.

No one can dispute that Brady is an incredible talent, an unquestioned leader and a future Hall of Famer. Michael Rosenberg's article (Tom Brady As You Forgot Him, Jan. 9), though, seemed to suggest that Brady had overcome some form of adversity at Michigan to succeed. He didn't at all. He only had to do what every other player on the depth chart had to: Beat out the player ahead of him.

Sam Rogers, Raleigh

It always looked like Drew Henson was the better of the two Michigan quarterbacks. So as a die-hard Patriots fan, I was a bit worried when Brady, a little-known sixth-round draft pick, took over for an injured Drew Bledsoe against the Jets in 2001. Just goes to show that the game is actually played on the field and what seems like superior talent on paper isn't always the case.

Rob Huckaby

Sand Springs, Okla.

Raven Mad

I don't understand the rationale behind the regional Steelers cover for your Jan. 9 NFL playoff preview. I know the sports world is in love with Pittsburgh, but let's look at the facts: The Ravens won the AFC North, beating the Steelers twice. A picture of Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs would have been more fitting.

Carey Campbell, Bel Air, Md.

Fan from Afar

I think Dick Friedman has had it easy cheering for a winning football program like LSU in Boston (SCORECARD, Jan. 9). He should try rooting for the Lions, Bills and Rams—teams I've supported my whole life based on the blue in their colors. The Lions ruined my Thanksgiving for the past 10 years until they finally made the playoffs this season. With Buffalo's and St. Louis's perennial woes, the only thing preventing my world from completely turning upside down is the excitement of possibly getting top picks in the draft who can help turn things around.

Jacob Magid, Skokie, Ill.

Coaches Cornered

I just finished Phil Taylor's The Sandusky Effect (POINT AFTER, Jan. 9) with a pain in my stomach. As a mother of two little baseball players, I am saddened by the ambivalence that youth coaches everywhere are now feeling. Sometimes our boys and girls need a great coach to help improve their game, and sometimes they need a great mentor to improve their lives. If Sandusky is indeed guilty, he and the men like him have created more victims than anyone could imagine.

Allene M. Phillips

Danielsville, Ga.

While I understand Taylor's response to the Sandusky scandal, I must say I do not agree with it. There is nothing you can do to prevent someone from making accusations if that person is intent on doing so. When you are conducting yourself with integrity and your players and their parents are aware of this, why alter your behavior? Keep on being a positive role model. We certainly need all we can get.

Michael J. Ryan, Worth, Ill.

Contact

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

Letters

E-mail SI at letters@SI.timeinc.com or fax SI at 212-467-2417. Letters should include the writer's full name, address and home telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space.

Customer Service and Subscriptions

For 24/7 service, go to SI.com/customerservice. Call 1-800-528-5000 or write to SI at P.O. Box 30602, Tampa, FL 33630-0602. To purchase reprints of SI covers, go to SIcovers.com.

Advertising

For ad rates, an editorial calendar or a media kit, e-mail SI at SIpubqueries@timeinc.com.

FEEDBACK

What will you remember most about Joe Paterno?

Dale H Layton I will always remember JoePa as the face of Penn State and for running out with his team on the field every game, even as he got up in age. There will never be another one like him.

Trey Hickman His longevity as head coach at Penn State. Serving as the Nittany Lions' top man for just shy of 46 full seasons is truly astounding.

Teri Heiligenmann Van Hecke I once heard that Paterno's players didn't have their names on their jerseys because he said, "It's the name on the front of the jersey that matters most, not the one on the back." I love that line.

Pj Christensen Despite his role in the Sandusky scandal, I choose to look back at all the young men Paterno has helped throughout his career. Not only the ones who have gone on to play in the NFL, but also the guys who have achieved great things and been successful off the field. When you hear these players talk about Paterno, they all give him credit for inspiring their work ethic and drive.

PHOTO

WALTER IOOSS JR. (PATERNO)

PHOTO