Tom Brady Reveals His Secrets for a Perfect Pass While Making a Wish Come True for a Young Quarterback (Exclusive)

Tom Brady just granted a young fan his wish.

On Friday, August 16, the 47-year-old retired NFL star teamed up with Fanatics and Make-A-Wish to meet and wish 12-year-old Christopher Sanchez during Fanatics Fest at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. York City.

“I got to meet Chris today, and he’s from South Florida, so we had a lot in common. He loves football. He’s a quarterback, so it’s fun hanging out with him,” Brady told PEOPLE exclusively about the moment they shared with Sanchez, who was first diagnosed with leukemia when he was 6 years old.

Among those connections is a shared passion for football and the fact that both Brady and Sanchez played for the Wolverines. For the former quarterback, that was while playing for the University of Michigan, while the mascot of Sanchez’s school, where he also serves as quarterback, is the Wolverines.

Sanchez’s mother, Liane, tells PEOPLE that while “the circumstances that brought us here are painful to think about,” that “this is a really happy moment.” She adds, “He’s healthy and he’s going to enjoy it, and we’re so excited.”

Sanchez says his goal is to play in the NFL when he grows up. And after hearing that a young fan – now in remission – dreams of following in his footsteps, Brady says, “Wow, I love that.”

Tom Brady and Christopher Sanchez.

Courtesy of Fanatics

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Sanchez’s other hope while meeting Brady was to learn how to hold and throw a football just like the former New Englands Patriots star. And according to the athlete, there are “a lot of things” that go into throwing that perfect pass.

When asked about his top three tips, Brady told PEOPLE, “What I’ve taught him is to really target his left shoulder, his right, his target, and then when you rotate your body, you have to rotate it kind of the opposite way you would.”

He adds, “Most people go right-handed, they just want to open their left shoulder. So close your left shoulder a little bit, step very quickly with your left to get a lot of energy, and then really reach for your goal.”

Courtesy of Fanatics.

Tom Brady (right) with Liane and Christopher Sanchez

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On Sanchez’s effort, Brady says, “He’s been really good. He actually throws the ball well. He’s got a shot. He’s a good little athlete.”

Fanatics Fest, meanwhile, kicked off Friday with an appearance by Brady, who also joined sports media personality Stephen A. Smith on a panel called “True Grit.” Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin brought together top current and former athletes from the NFL, NBA and MLB to celebrate the intersection of sports and entertainment.

Other Friday panels include a tribute to the New York Knicks with superfans Ben Stiller and Spike Lee with Knicks players Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, a “Character Counts” discussion between MLB legends David Ortiz and Derek Jeter, and Eli Manning celebrating 100 years of New York football Giants.

The event runs until Sunday, August 18 and includes panels, multiple stages and cinemas, exclusive merchandise, live podcasts and headline announcements.

Tom Brady watches the gymnastics at the Bercy Arena on day 10 of the 2024 Paris Olympics in France.

Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images

Tom Brady shares look at ‘significant’ moments from Paris 2024 Olympics with daughter Vivian: ‘Goed above and beyond’

Brady’s appearance at Fanatics Fest comes just after the retired quarterback took his daughter Vivian Lake, 11, on a trip to Paris for the Summer Olympics.

In a recap of the post shared on Instagram, Brady said: “I didn’t really know what to expect going into @Paris2024, but our three days were truly beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”

“We saw athletes from many sports and from many countries, but it was especially meaningful to be able to come to this amazing city with my daughter and watch the most powerful women I have ever seen compete for gold, silver and bronze,” he continued. . “For the first time in Olympic history, there was a 50:50 ratio between male and female athletes, which I was proud to tell Vivi as she watched these heroes compete.”

I’ve said it a few times lately, but we should all strive to do the HARD things,” Brady wrote. “Whether it’s sports or life, push yourself outside your comfort zone to see what you can really achieve. Just like these athletes around the world have done!”

“Congratulations to the champions, competitors and the entire city of Paris on a once-in-a-lifetime event, with countless memories and lasting connections,” he concluded his post.

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