Coming out of college, Tristan Wirfs was considered one of the safest prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. His game was heavily polished thanks to starting immediately at Iowa as an 18-year-old. So when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted him 13th overall, everyone felt they got a steal, especially since 43-year-old Tom Brady needed better blockers.

Since joining the Bucs, Wirfs has won a Super Bowl, made first-team All-Pro (2021), made second-team All-Pro (2022) and made three Pro Bowls. On Thursday, the front office handed him a five-year, $140 million extension that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.

Tom Brady praised Tristan Wirfs in 2022

Although Brady is gone, Wirfs got to work in 2023 blocking for Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is in good hands, especially if Brady’s most public comments about Wirfs as a player can be taken at face value.

He’s a great player and he’s a great person, he’s a great teammate, he’s a great worker… He’s obviously got a very bright future. In football, you’ve gotta earn the respect of people… Tristan wants to go out and earn it every day. He’s proven to everyone that he can be counted on. It’s just a great compliment to him and what he’s been able to accomplish to have the whole organization have the faith in him that we all do.

Brady’s comments came after the Buccaneers’ playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys in early 2022. Brady ended up playing one more season after that, making it three in total with Wirfs as his trusted offensive tackle.

Earning the respect and trust of the greatest to ever do it is certainly not easy, but Wirfs was able to accomplish that at a very young age. That’s why he’s breaking the bank at 25 years old.