Jim Harbaugh declared J.J. McCarthy, not Tom Brady, as Michigan’s greatest quarterback in history after he helped lead the Wolverines to a thrilling comeback win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
“I’ve said it before, but right here, this is the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan football, college football, history,” the Michigan coach told reporters after the win. “Got a long way to get where Tom Brady eventually got to, which is the GOAT. I mean, he’s has lapped the field when it comes to that. But in a college career, there’s been nobody at Michigan better than J.J.”
Of course, Brady also helped lead Michigan to a come-from-behind, 35-34, win over the Crimson Tide in the 2000 Orange Bowl to amass a 20–5 across two seasons record as the school’s quarterback. McCarthy, meanwhile, went 26-1 in three seasons.
Harbaugh’s postgame comments made the rounds on social media and eventually found their way to Brady, who seemingly agreed with the sentiments.
“Go Blue!!! No Doubt!!!,” Brady posted on SportsCenter’s Instagram that featured Harbaugh, McCarthy and the greatest quarterback comments.
Brady was drafted No. 199 overall by the New England Patriots and eventually won seven Super Bowl championships (six with the Patriots, one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and holds several NFL and Patriots records.
As for McCarthy, he has a chance to do something Brady never did while at Michigan: Lead the Wolverines to a National Championship when they take on No. 2 Washington on Jan. 8.
