Brady expresses 'gratitude' after MVP season, Super Bowl loss

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expressed his gratitude on Instagram to everyone involved on his path to his third NFL MVP award.

In fact, the word "gratitude" was mentioned seven times in his post on Friday as he reflected on a number of topics, including the Patriots' 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday.

In regard to the Super Bowl setback, however, the 40-year-old Brady wrote the following:

"It has taken me a few days to reflect on our SB loss as well as the great season our team had. There are many emotions when you come up short of your goal. And they are all part of learning and growing in this journey of life. Learning turns everything into a positive. And the number one feeling I have had the past 4 days is gratitude."

There's that G-word, and Brady shared his "gratitude" in regard to his teammates, coaches, the Patriots organization, fans, family and friends as well as, perhaps surprisingly, the Eagles.

"Gratitude to the Philadelphia Eagles team and organization for bringing out the best in us and being gracious winners (as well as congratulations on winning the championship)," Brady wrote.

Brady, who was also the NFL MVP after the 2007 and 2010 seasons, is the oldest player to receive the award and the fourth to win it three or more times (Peyton Manning, five; Brett Favre and Johnny Unitas, three apiece).

During the 2017 season, Brady passed for an NFL-best 4,577 passing yards and also had 32 touchdown passes. He's also the oldest player in history to lead the league in passing yards.

With Brady at quarterback, the Patriots have won the AFC East title a record 15 times.