Tom Brady's perfect weekend: "Anytime USC loses to Michigan"

Flashback: Before his illustrious NFL career began, Brady played quarterback at the University of Michigan.

Yes, but: The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who grew up in San Mateo, California, wanted to go to the University of Southern California.

What they're saying: "USC turned me down in 1995. They took another quarterback named John Fox and they moved him to tight end a few years after he got there," he says.

• "I got a chip on my shoulder, and that was where I wanted to go to school — so anytime USC loses to Michigan is a perfect Saturday weekend for me."

Catch up quick: This is the first football season since the Big Ten conference expanded to 18 schools.

• Infrequent matchups, like Michigan vs. USC or Ohio State vs. Oregon, will now occur on a regular basis.

"The business of sports is always changing. I think bringing these big brands together creates a better viewing experience for the people that are tuning in on Saturdays," Brady says.

• "I hope, from the players' standpoint, that they always go to college for the right reasons and have the right experience because college is the best time of your life in so many ways."

What's next for Brady: He's partnering with Abbott and Big Ten universities to advocate for blood donations.