But family and friends say he is better for the cruel turn that followed a magical season in which he led the Patriots to the NFL's first 16-0 regular season while throwing for a record 50 touchdowns.
"There's no question, it's (a) blessing in disguise," says his father, Tom. "He's got a renewed vigor. It was almost like a sabbatical in the middle of his career.
Brady appears at ease as he strains to shake off almost a year's worth of rust during the early days of camp. He delights in his time off the field after previously being consumed by football.
He married supermodel Gisele Bundchen on Feb. 26 and dotes on his son, 22-month-old Jack. He shares custody with actress and former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan.
He says the perspective he gained while sidelined makes him better equipped to deal with everyday stresses.
"I'm more content, I think, in learning how to deal with those situations," he says. "A lot of things that have happened in my life you learn from, and, like I said, you use those as challenges."
Rodney Harrison, who played six seasons with Brady before retiring last offseason to become an NBC analyst, sees someone who added balance to his life.
"Obviously, he's gotten married and he's building a family," Harrison says. "Yes, there is a difference.
"A lot of times when you go through an injury such as what Tom went through, things start to fall into perspective. It's your family that's really important, because football comes to an end for all of us."
"It seems there is some sort of peace about him," Zolak says. "That is the best way to sum it up."
