The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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APRIL 2020 THE WOLVERINE 11 INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Sitting Down With Senior Point Guard Zavier Simpson Michigan senior point guard Zavier Simpson finished the season third nation- ally in assists per game (7.9) and leaves U-M as one of the top floor generals in school history. He's also one of the two winningest Wolverines with teammate and fellow senior Jon Teske, having won 108 contests. Simpson talks about his time at Michigan and more in this Q&A. The Wolverine: What was going through your mind when you took the floor with your family on Senior Day against Nebraska? Zavier Simpson: "Just thinking about all the things I overcame. Freshman year, not playing; sophomore year, competing with two other point guards. "Junior year, working with Coach [John] Beilein and taking some [losses] where we could have had championships." The Wolverine: You got to pick the senior day picture that goes with your jer- sey, and you picked one in which you look angry. Why? Simpson: "It's just the expression I wanted to make for when I go back and look at the memories I had, the ups and downs. That's the anger I want to show. "I thought that photo represented me the most from my four years of college." The Wolverine: What did Juwan Howard say to you when he took you out of the game for the last time and gave you a hug? Simpson: "Coach Howard said he was proud of me for the things I've overcome. I'm blessed to be a part of his first year and to be a part of his journey. He said he's proud I'm on his side of the floor, but we're blessed to be able to play for him. "He played for the Fab Five and has a great résumé, so I'm thankful to be able to gain some of his knowledge." The Wolverine: What will you miss the most about playing at Michigan? Simpson: "I just like the feeling and the support of the fans here. I also like how loud it gets — we appreciate all those small moments as players. "I was taking it all in as I was walking off, just thinking about what I all overcame as a freshman. I'm thankful for everything and am embracing all of it." The Wolverine: How will you spend your last weeks on campus? Simpson: "Every night, I reflect on my journey, the things that I accomplished and the things that I still can accomplish in the future. Just take the time out, walk up and down the street and reflect on it." — Chris Balas Simpson averaged 7.9 assists per game during the 2019-20 season, which ranked third in the country. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL TOM BRADY ANNOUNCES HE'S LEAVING NEW ENGLAND Tom Brady will be playing somewhere in the NFL next season — it just won't be in New England. The former Michi- gan quarterback and six-time Super Bowl champion announced via social media he'd be moving on from the Pa- triots after 20 years with the franchise. "Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate ev- erything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accom- plishments," he wrote, thanking owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and others. Among his accomplishments: three NFL Most Valuable Player awards (2007, 2010 and 2017), which ties him with Jim Brown, Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas for second most all time behind Pey- ton Manning; 15 different Super Bowl records; nine Super Bowl appearances, including six titles; four Super Bowl MVP awards and a record 13 conference title-game appearances. Belichick said in a statement it was "a privilege to coach Tom Brady for 20 years." Kraft added that while he was sad, "the overwhelming feeling I have is ap- preciation for his countless contribu- tions to our team and community." "Tommy initiated contact last night and came over," Kraft told ESPN. "We had a positive, respectful discussion. It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son." The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were thought to be the leader for Brady's ser- vices, though the Los Angeles Chargers were also in play as of March 17. — Chris Balas Brady spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, leading them to 17 AFC East titles, nine Super Bowls and six NFL championships. PHOTO COURTESY NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS