What Would You Have Done With Tom Brady’s 600th Touchdown Ball?

Everyone has an opinion. So, what’s yours?

During the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 38-3 Week 7 win over the Chicago Bears, quarterback Tom Brady threw his 600th career touchdown pass, becoming the first in NFL history to do so.

Mike Evans was the recipient of that pass, and almost immediately ran to the wall separating fans from players, and gave the ball to Bucs fan, Byron Kennedy.

They say we all get our 15 minutes of fame, well Mr. Kennedy, this is yours. And it reminds me of a memorable episode of the sitcom, “Everybody Loves Raymond”. If you know, you know.

The expression on Evans’ face when he realized he had given away a piece of NFL history was priceless. Obviously, the star receiver didn’t realize what he was doing. He was just being Mike Evans, which is why fans love him.

Of course, the team had to go and get the ball back for Brady. The question at that time really was whether or not Kennedy would give it back, and if he would, for what price?

According to USA Today, the Buccaneers gave him a different game ball, a signed jersey, and a $1,000 gift card to the team’s store.

When Brady learned the fan had given the ball back, he simply stated, “He’s gonna get something nice in return.”

It didn’t take long – CBS’ Jim Nantz stated in that moment that Kennedy had gotten a “terrible deal” – for people to start chiming in with what they would have done in his situation.

For what it’s worth, had I realized which game ball I had just received, I would’ve given it back immediately. If the team or Brady himself decided to reward that with a token of appreciation, so be it.

Some won’t believe that, and sadly I can’t say I blame them these days, but those who truly know me absolutely will.

Is my answer the right answer? It certainly isn’t the only one.

Perhaps you agree with our old friend, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus.

Of course, you could also go the Kyle Brandt route, as he outlined on Good Morning Football.

Or maybe, you have a unique answer altogether.

I would argue the one that fits best with you is the right one, but in the end, Brady deserved that ball in my opinion, so I tip my cap at Mr. Kennedy for giving it back, no matter the reward he received.

Still, we want to know what you would have done if this was you…

For more on this story and all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers, follow us here at Bucs Nation and listen to James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!