Here’s the release from the New England Patriots announcing that Tom Brady has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the 21st time in his career:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today that Tom Brady has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week by the National Football league for his performance in the Patriots’ 52-28 victory over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. It is the 21st time in his career that Brady has received the AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor to tie Denver’s Peyton Manning for the most Player of the Week awards earned by a player since the accolade was instituted in 1984. Brady earned three Player of the Week Awards in 2011.

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills after their NFL game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 30, 2012 in Orchard Park, New York. Brady completed 22 of 36 passes for 340 yards against the Bills, including three touchdown passes. Brady also scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. After falling behind, 21-7, midway through the third quarter, Brady led the Patriots to six straight second half touchdowns and 45 total second half points, including a 31-point fourth quarter to earn the 52-28 victory. It was Brady’s third straight 300-yard game and the 48th of his career. Brady needs one more 300-yard game to tie Hall of Famer Warren Moon for seventh place all-time. Brady threw a touchdown pass in his 36th straight game to tie Brett Favre for the third longest streak all-time, behind Johnny Unitas (47) and Drew Brees (47).

The Patriots earned six Player of the Week honors in 2011. Brady was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week following the first two games of the season at Miami on Sept. 12, vs. San Diego on Sept. 18 and for his Week 16 performance vs. Miami on Dec. 24. Andre Carter was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following the win at the Jets on Nov. 13,

Julian Edelman was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week following the win vs. Kansas City on Nov. 21, and Rob Gronkowski was named AFC Offensive Player of the week following the win at Washington on Dec. 11.

Brady also was honored as AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November and December/January last season.

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photo credit: getty images