Michigan means everything to Tom Brady.

The NFL legend and former New England Patriots quarterback pumped up Michigan players a decade ago, delivering a proud and passionate pregame message.

4Tom Brady first made his name as a gritty quarterback for the Michigan WolverinesCredit: Getty

No. 1 Michigan faces the No. 2 Washington Huskies on Monday in the College Football Playoff championship in Houston at NRG Stadium.

“Every man in this room is counting on you,” Brady told the Wolverines in 2013. “Every player that’s ever worn this helmet is counting on you. Because you guys are the ones that are lucky enough to play for Michigan and not a lot of other kids around the country can do that.”

Brady, who retired from the NFL less than a year ago, won seven Super Bowls, including six with Bill Belichick’s Patriots.

Despite setting the NFL record for all-time passing yards and widely being regarded as the greatest QB of all-time, TB12 told Wolverines players no place had an impact on him like Michigan.

“This place is special to me,” Brady said. “It’s special to the guys that I played with. It’s special to the guys that played before me, because we love Michigan.”

The No. 199 overall pick of the 2000 NFL Draft clapped his hands for emphasis while connecting with the young Wolverines.

Then he detailed why Michigan is so special to him.

“I didn’t have an easy experience,” Brady said. “I didn’t come in as a top-rated recruit. I didn’t come in with the opportunity to play right away. I had to earn it.”

4Brady connected with the entire Michigan team before a big game in 20134The NFL legend became emotional when discussing what Michigan meant to him

The famous field general spent 23 years in the pros.

But Brady recalled in 2013 that his proudest moment was being named a team captain at Michigan.

“That to this day is the single greatest achievement I’ve ever had as a footballer,” Brady said. “Because the men in this room chose me to lead their team and these were my best friends.

“These were guys that knew I like to work, that knew I love football, that knew I loved to play, that knew I wanted to be the quarterback for Michigan.”

Belichick and the Patriots’ system often received credit for getting the best out of Brady as he evolved from a sixth-round pick into a living legend.

But the seven-time Super Bowl winner made it clear that much of what he learned first came from Michigan.

4Brady shares a laugh with Wolverines head coach Jim HarbaughCredit: Getty

“Where did I learn to love the game?” Brady said. “Where did I learn to practice? Where did I learn to compete? I was sitting in the same chairs that you guys are sitting in today.”

Brady has made it clear that he’s still a huge Michigan fan as the Wolverines try to win their first CFP.

He recently celebrated an overtime win over Alabama in the semifinals by posting that he was “locked in” while wearing a rare Richard Mille watch valued at $500,000.

Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh has been known to use a wide variety of methods to pump up his football team, which has spent the 2023 season at the center of a cheating controversy.

Calling in Brady for another pregame speech before the CFP finale can’t hurt Michigan’s chances at finally winning another championship.