Tom Brady to Graduates: When the Odds Are Against You, Keep Fighting

When the odds are stacked against you, resilience, preparation, and perseverance matter more than certainty.

That was the message shared by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady during his commencement address to the 383 undergraduate students of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business Class of 2026.

Graduates from the B.S. in Business Administration, Dikran Izmirlian B.S. in Business and Global Affairs, and the B.S in International Business, Language, and Culture programs gathered with family, friends, and faculty on the Hilltop to celebrate the culmination of four transformative years at Georgetown.

Brady was introduced by Egon Durban (B’95), co-CEO and managing partner of Silver Lake Technology Management. Earlier this year, Durban and his wife, Abby, made a transformative gift to establish the Durban Sports Business Program at Georgetown McDonough, creating new opportunities for undergraduate students interested in the intersection of sports, business, media, and leadership.

“It is a privilege to introduce my great friend and business partner, Tom Brady, as your commencement speaker,” said Durban. “What Georgetown teaches you is not how much wealth you accumulate, how famous you are, how many titles you win; it’s about changing other people’s lives. That’s the Tom I’ve come to know and love….he is a devoted father, loyal friend, and he uses his platform to change people’s lives – being a man for others.”

99.7%

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes in professional sports history, Brady spoke candidly about perseverance, leadership, and the mindset that shaped his career. 

Throughout the address, Brady reflected on the lessons learned during his 23 seasons in the NFL and encouraged graduates to embrace difficult challenges, push beyond their comfort zones, and remain resilient in moments of uncertainty.

“One way that sports is a lot like business is that when you do it long enough, your life starts to be defined by numbers,” Brady said, introducing a number that framed the most pivotal game of his career: 99.7%.

For Brady, the number represented the win probability against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI, when the team trailed the Atlanta Falcons 28-3 late in the third quarter before ultimately mounting the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

“At that moment, the Falcons had a 99.7% chance of winning,” Brady said. “You’re going to find yourself on the short end of that 99.7%, wondering how you got there.”

Using the game as a metaphor for adversity in life and business, Brady told graduates that setbacks and uncertainty are inevitable — but the response to those moments defines character and future success.

“When the odds are stacked against you, when you are facing your own 28-3 moment — and believe me, it’s coming — you will have a choice to make: to quit, or to fight your ass off,” he said.

Brady shared that his ability to remain composed during difficult moments was rooted in years of preparation and discipline long before stepping onto the field for the Super Bowl.

“The previous 25 years of my life had prepared me for this moment,” Brady said. “Every hard choice is a brick in the path toward the life you want. But every excuse is a brick in the wall that will stand in your way.”

He encouraged graduates to seek out difficult opportunities that force growth and resilience rather than avoiding discomfort or uncertainty.

“Greatness always comes in the form of a contest, where preparation meets opportunity, and the winner is the one who just won’t quit,” Brady said.

Surround Yourself with the Right People

Brady also emphasized the importance of teamwork and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you.

Reflecting on the comeback victory, he highlighted teammates such as Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and James White — players who overcame setbacks, entered the league with low expectations, and delivered in pivotal moments.

He encouraged graduates to build meaningful relationships throughout their careers and to value resilience and character in the people around them.

During the ceremony, Georgetown University Interim President Robert Groves awarded Brady a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, recognizing his impact as an athlete, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leader.

Honoring the Class of 2026

For the undergraduate Class of 2026, commencement marked both a celebration and a farewell to the community they built together during their time on the Hilltop.

“I think many alumni feel a strong affection for their universities, but Georgetown truly feels one-of-a-kind,” said McGinnis Harvey (B’26) in a reflection on his graduation. “The relationships, conversations, and environment pushed me to grow constantly, both personally and professionally.”

Brady concluded the ceremony by encouraging graduates to embrace uncertainty, pursue excellence with humility, and lead lives rooted in purpose.

“The only thing worse than losing the biggest game of your life is losing respect for yourself along the way,” Brady said. “The winner is the one who just won’t quit.” 

Read a full transcript of Brady’s speech.