How Did Tom Brady Handle Freezing Temperatures? His Former Backup Shares an Unusual Secret

Playing football during the winter in Massachusetts is a challenge that many NFL players dread, but for Tom Brady, the harsh conditions seemed like just another opportunity to excel. Renowned for his meticulous preparation, Brady had a unique method for tackling the brutal cold, a trick that former backup quarterback Matt Cassel recently revealed on the Lots to Say podcast.

Cassel, who played behind Tom Brady from 2005 to 2008 with the New England Patriots, shared the surprising method Brady used to stay warm during freezing games. “One of the tricks of the trade that I learned early on was from Tom Brady,” Cassel explained. He recounted seeing Brady in the locker room preparing for a frigid 17-degree game with wind and sleet, putting on what looked like a half-wetsuit.

"We were in the locker room and it's gonna be a cold game. It's like 17° outside, little bit of wind, little bit of sleet, and I see him putting on like a half-wetsuit ... I've never seen it before."
"It is an absolute game-changer," the former backup QB—who adopted the trick himself—continued. "Because you put that on and it just—the heat is insulated inside your body and you don't feel the elements like you would if you just wore a normal type of cloth."
Inspired by Brady, Cassel adopted the practice, wearing wetsuits during cold-weather games for the remainder of his career and even passing on the tip to his teammates.
Cold-weather games are notoriously difficult for quarterbacks. Freezing temperatures make it nearly impossible to maintain grip and flexibility in the hands, leading to a significant impact on passing accuracy and ball security. Quarterbacks rely on their hands to generate spin and velocity, but the cold stiffens muscles and numbs fingers, making these actions much more challenging.
Additionally, the ball itself becomes slick and harder to control, further complicating a quarterback's job. Wind adds another layer of difficulty, affecting the trajectory and speed of passes. For example, in a 2021 game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, extreme winds of 23 mph led the Patriots to throw the ball only three times yet still secure a win.
Beyond the passing game, cold weather amplifies the physical toll on all players. Hits and tackles feel more severe in the freezing temperatures. Injuries like stingers or contusions become harder to recover from, and players take longer to catch their breath after big hits. Muscle stiffness and bent or broken fingers are common, with the icy conditions exacerbating every injury.
Teams combat these challenges with sideline heaters, thermal undershirts, and advanced gear, but Brady’s wetsuit innovation highlights his ability to think outside the box.
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As Cassel put it, “TB12 was always one step ahead.” This mindset not only defined Brady’s career but also set an example for countless players who sought to emulate his methods and resilience. For Brady, greatness was always about preparation, even in the iciest conditions.