New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has 41 losses on the football field in his career, but the loss he suffered tonight may be the largest by far. Tom Martinez, Brady’s personal quarterback guru, passed away today at age 66 after a heart attack suffered during a dialysis session.
Brady recently used his status to help get the information out about how important organ donation is and that his mentor Martinez was in need of a kidney transplant on CBS’ 60 Minutes.
Martinez, who lived in California, was in need of the transplant due to diabetes. He has been the 2-time NFL MVP’s quarterback coach since his youth football days in the San Mateo area and the pair talked all the time about Brady’s mechanics and what he needed to improve on.
Recently, Brady teamed up with the Canton, MA based “Matching Donors” organization hoping that his high profile status would spark the donation to help his longtime friend.
Don’t forget it’s easy to become an organ donor, when you renew your drivers license just check the organ donation box or register with your states organ donor registry and talk to your family and make sure they know you are an organ donor.
For more information on organ donation go to organdonor.gov.
Update: Brady posted the following statement on his Facebook page.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my coach, mentor and friend. Coach Martinez’s invaluable assistance and support will never be forgotten and will always have a lasting impact on my life. The time we spent together remain some of my fondest memories. His legacy of commitment, toughness and determination will live on forever.”
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Photo credit: Boston.com
