No surprise for MVP Brady

By: Associated Press - | Saturday, January 5, 2008 10:54 PM PST ∞

For all their achievements, past Most Valuable Players John Unitas, Dan Marino and Joe Montana never had a season like Tom Brady's 2007.

The New England Patriots' record-setting quarterback added The Associated Press NFL MVP award Saturday in the same manner his team romped through its schedule, going 16-0. On the way to the first unbeaten regular season since Miami went 14-0 in 1972, Brady put on a performance for the ages, which earned him all but one vote from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league.

"I have always been a huge football fan and will always have great respect for the history of this game," Brady said. "I am flattered to join such an esteemed list of players, many of whom I consider the greatest of all time. I hope that I can set as great of an example for kids around the world as the previous MVPs did for me.

"I am grateful to all of the voters for any consideration I was given. It is a tremendous honor and I am sure it is one that my family will one day look back on with great pride."

The eight-year veteran, who already has won three Super Bowls, helped the Patriots tear through the record books by throwing for 50 touchdowns. He beat Peyton Manning's league mark by one, and also threw 23 of those TD passes to Randy Moss, which lifted the receiver past Jerry Rice's record of 22.

New England scored 589 points and 75 touchdowns, both records. Brady led the NFL with a 117.2 passer rating, a 68.9 completion percentage, and 4,806 yards - 383 more than runner-up Drew Brees of New Orleans.

"To be honest, I'm surprised it took so long for him to get this recognition because he's sort of been our MVP since he stepped on the field in '01, in my mind, and the way he just took over," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said.

Brady is the first Patriot selected NFL MVP. He drew 49 of the 50 votes from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the NFL. Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre, the only three-time MVP, got the other vote.

Sparano, Dolphins meet

The front-running candidate to become the Miami Dolphins' coach was also the first to interview.

Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano interviewed in Dallas with new Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, who was hired away from the Cowboys this week. The Dolphins declined to say whether executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells also took part.

The Dolphins met first with Sparano in part because he's off-limits for interviews beginning today. He can't be interviewed again until the Cowboys either lose in the playoffs or reach the open week before the Super Bowl on Jan. 21-27.

The New Haven Register, citing an unidentified source, reported that Sparano was offered the job and will accept it at the conclusion of Dallas' season. Sparano is a New Haven native and former University of New Haven player and coach.

Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene called the report "100 percent false. In fact, we have a number of interviews scheduled in the next few days."

Minnesota defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is expected to interview with Miami next week. Other possible candidates include Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, Jacksonville assistant head coach Mike Tice and Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Kiffin gets Senior moment

Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and his staff will direct the North team in the Senior Bowl.

Kiffin was assigned the game a day after San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan and his staff were put in charge of the South team for the Jan. 26 game.