After playing college football for the University of Michigan , Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft . Due to his late draft selection , Brady is considered to be the biggest `` steal '' in the history of the NFL Draft . In Brady 's 16 seasons as a starter , he has quarterbacked the Patriots to eight Super Bowl appearances , the most for any player in history .

Question: how long has tom brady been the patriots quarterback
Answer: 16 seasons