Is Tom Brady or was Larry Bird more popular during their runs?

[bormio]

I am reaching back in the memory banks a bit - but in the 70s were not the Sox and the Bruins really the only teams on local TV - specifically channel 38. I do not recall the Celts being on TV much until later.

 

[RobertWeathers]

?????

I remember it differently, that's for sure. There was plenty of debate in Boston about Magic over Bird. I went to Celts games back then... it was a common discussion.

Bird also had a 10 year career, with the last 2 beset by back problems.

I will say that the adulation was even, but unlike Brady, Bird was not the best player in the league. I'd have to say that Magic was a hair better, and obviously Jordan.

From 1980-1988 Bird was Bird.

From 1989-1992 Bird was human.

 

[Tuck]

Brady is number one. It's one of those things you wont fully appreciate until it's over.

 

[Bill Lee]

There was never anyone in the local media clamoring for the Celtics to trade Bird in favor of starting Rick Robey...

A true but sad commentary on today's media. All those ass clowns trying to get in the way of us enjoying some true sports legends just so they can boost their own egos and ratings. They're going to kill the goose laying the golden eggs, no doubt.

 

[Bruins29]

TB also has the advantage of bringing championships to the one team in Boston that never won one. The Celtics won a ton of championships before Bird arrived.

 

[bormio]

Brady is number one. It's one of those things you wont fully appreciate until it's over.

Obviously Boston has been blessed with some amazing athletes. But it is amazing to consider that 2016 Brady is arguably better than 2003 Brady. The man may have a nearly 20 year career - all at the top of his sport. He is an absolute freak.

 

[Bruins29]

But it is amazing to consider that 2016 Brady is arguably better than 2003 Brady. .

He is better than 2007 Brady right now.

 

[363839]

1. Brady is number one for the fact that the QB position in football is the most important position on the field and is the one most responsible for winning and losing.
2. David Ortiz is Mr clutch. When you most needed that hit, NO, Home run, he would be the guy!
Number 2 and number 3 are interchangable here as...
3. Bill Russell...without him, Celtics don't have 8 straight championships. Chamberlain's Lakers woulds have had most, if not all of those.
In retrospect, maybe Russell should be number one.
4. Ok now Bird.
5. Orr..because poster of goal against Blues.

 

[FCB02062]

Brady should go down as the greatest player in the history of the NFL. Right now I guess you could debate Montana, maybe LT, Jim Brown but if (by the grace of God) Brady wins another SB, case ****ing closed....

 

[RobertWeathers]

God...what a shame I wasn't around to see that. I hear the Garden was electrifying back then.

Electric was an understatement.

I've only been to one Celtics playoff game in the 80s and it was Game 1 or 2 vs Milwaukee in 1986 during the #16 run. I forget which. They were on a mini-run so the crowd was starting to get amped. There was a play on a fast break when Bill Walton took a pass I think Jerry on the foul line and dunked it for a +1. The crowd blew the roof off the place. Walton raised his fists and started high-fiving the bench and I think couple of people sitting courtside. It was basketball awesomeness. I keep meaning to look for it on youtube.

Still get chills when I remember it.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Orr belongs in this conversation.

It has, and always will be unfair to compare anybody, in any respect, past or present, to Bobby Orr.

Bobby's always been, and always will be, in a class all by himself.

That, plus he's simply one of the most generous, compassionate and amazing people ever to walk this planet.

 

[borg]

Yea you are taking it a little to literally.

My point is if people lived in North America and followed sports and especially hockey in the 70s knew who Bobby Orr was. Certainly he was no as popular as Bird or TB12 but the fact that he was back then was amazing.

Just a quick point. In 1971, Stanley Cup national broadcasts started because of Bobby Orr.

Since you keep insisting that inhabitants of N. America were "insane" for Bobby Orr or at least knew who Bobby Orr was, I have to ask if you know what countries are a part of N. America?
I'm going to say Orr's sphere of influence was limited to north of the frost line (LA doesn't count)

 

[RobertWeathers]

Since you keep insisting that inhabitants of N. America were "insane" for Bobby Orr or at least knew who Bobby Orr was, I have to ask if you know what countries are a part of N. America?
I'm going to say Orr's sphere of influence was limited to north of the frost line (LA doesn't count)

I see.

I'm sure there were a handful of Mexicans and some below the Mason-Dixon line and east of this Mississippi line who knew who Bobby Orr was.

 

[FirstAndGoal]

Not sure I understand the first part of your response. Just curious, if Brady is not the greatest Boston athlete of all time, who is? I would put Williams #2.

Pure talent....Orr, not even close and I'm not a hockey watcher. The only problem with Orr is that he was a target due to that talent and knee surgery was butchery back then so by the end of his short career, he was a shell of himself. Orr was the most dynamic player the NHL ever saw back then. He controlled the entire rink from the defensive position.

 

[mosslost]

Hi! I wasn't alive during the amazing run of Larry Bird and his Celtics, but am aware how popular he was among Boston fans and likely shown on the news a ton like Brady currently. Brady right now is almost Jesus level around here.

So I ask people who might know - Is Brady or was Larry Bird more talked about and respected around NE?

overall I would have to say Bird

 

[mosslost]

Brady took a team that was nowhere on the pecking order and made Boston a football town - unthinkable from the time when I was young. Bird and Magic was great TV though. Williams was a no doubter Hall of Famer - Ortiz has a borderline/better than borderline case.

Bird was bigger.

 

[mosslost]

Pure talent....Orr, not even close and I'm not a hockey watcher. The only problem with Orr is that he was a target due to that talent and knee surgery was butchery back then so by the end of his short career, he was a shell of himself. Orr was the most dynamic player the NHL ever saw back then. He controlled the entire rink from the defensive position.

I agree think Bird changed the prospects of the Celtics faster and more intensely than Orr did than the Bruins. And I loved Orr and caddy'd for him once.

 

[mosslost]

Hi! I wasn't alive during the amazing run of Larry Bird and his Celtics, but am aware how popular he was among Boston fans and likely shown on the news a ton like Brady currently. Brady right now is almost Jesus level around here.

So I ask people who might know - Is Brady or was Larry Bird more talked about and respected around NE?

Such a different sport. As has been argued over and over,. an all time great QB (Marino) did not win a championship. Basketball is different. Bird dominated and made them them win 3 NBA titles and make it to 5, and 3 other conference championships. NBA players play offense and defense. Honestly it is not even really close. Bird by 100 miles.

 

[patman52]

Bird by far. Brady may be a better player in his sport but Bird was an "everyman" type of person. A beer drinking at the corner bar type guy. Brady is more Brie and wine. But that is from a man's perspective, women who are 1/2 the population will be 90% Brady.

 

[mosslost]

1986 Celtics, fueled by Bird, it's not close...