Tom Brady on Wes Welker leaving: nothing surprises me anymore

Nov 18, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with wide receiver Wes Welker (83) before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Welker was arguably Tom Brady’s favorite target in their offensive scheme. They both acknowledge their off the field friendship but early season protests from Welker’s camp claims he felt that his role in the offense was being phased out.

Feeling his role diminish Welker chose to sign with AFC foe Denver Broncos and Brady’s rival Peyton Manning.

“I don’t think anything surprises me any more in the NFL,” Brady said on WEEI. “I’ve been around long enough to see things happen at different times with the greatest players of all, whether that’s Wes, or Randy Moss being traded from the Raiders, or Brett Favre playing for the Jets and the Vikings. That’s what happens. Like I said, it’s a very tough, competitive business.”

Initial reports claimed Brady was upset with Welker’s departure. Whether he was blaming the front office or his friend for the split is still up in the air.

“Of course I have feelings. But those feelings are very personal to me,” he said. “I used to get caught up in anger and frustration and disappointment. But I don’t make the decisions. These things aren’t up to me. At some point you’ve got to realize the things that are out of your control. You’ve just got to let go and focus on my job and what I need to do. Because the game moves on, the team moves on. There’s only so long you can dwell on the past. At some point you’ve got to move forward. Like I said, my job for my team is to be the best quarterback, and not the general manager and not the coach and not the owner.”