Tom Brady's received countless accolades over the course of his decorated career, but receiving respect from his peers probably never gets old.
On Wednesday night, the NFL Network revealed that the Patriots quarterback had been named the No. 3 player in this year's Top 100 list, which is voted on by players. For Brady, it's the second consecutive year that he's been named No. 3. He's the only player in the league to be voted into the top five every year since 2011.
Only Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (No. 2) and Texans defensive lineman JJ Watt (No. 1) ranked ahead of the soon-to-be 38-year-old defending Super Bowl champion.
Brady placed ahead of teammate Rob Gronkowski (No. 10) as well as Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (No. 9), Steelers wideout Antonio Brown (No. 8), Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (No. 7), Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (No. 6), Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (No. 5) and Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (No. 4).
The Patriots and their quarterback have taken plenty of flak over Deflategate this offseason, and Brady is still scheduled to serve a four-game suspension, which he has appealed. Regardless, players who were asked about Brady during interviews for the final Top 100 heaped praise upon the four-time champion.
"He doesn't care what anybody says about him or what they think about him," said Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck. "The one thing they can't say is he's not a winner. That's something he's done continuously throughout his career."
"He's been beating me like a drum my whole career," said Bills defensive lineman Kyle Williams, "so I would be OK if he wanted to retire."
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"He's etched in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks," Watt said.
With or without the nod from fellow players, Brady was going to go down as one of the best ever. But to be voted as still among the game's best -- by fellow players who are 10 or 15 years his junior, no less -- has to be the source of some satisfaction.