Atherton man recalls lunch with two Super Bowl MVPs Atherton man recalls lunch with two Super Bowl MVPs (January 28, 2004)

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Lifestyles Editor

When Dr. Nicholas J. Athens of Atherton tunes in on the Super Bowl this Sunday, he'll be rooting for one of his chiropractic patients, Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots, whom he has been treating since Brady's Serra High School days.

He could also be recalling a day last summer when he arranged a meeting between Mr. Brady and the 49ers famed quarterback Joe Montana, also one of his chiropractic patients.

"On one visit, Tom mentioned to me how overwhelming it was to be chosen as Super Bowl MVP," says Dr. Athens. "Along with the honor came all the demands, floods of calls and autograph sessions he had to handle. I mentioned that he should meet Joe Montana, who had a lot of experience in handling this kind of stress. He loved the idea, so I called Joe to set up their meeting."

On a hot day last July, Dr. Athens and Mr. Brady drove up to have lunch, complete with wine and Italian music, with the Montanas at their 600-acre wine country spread. The quarterbacks talked for two hours about Mr. Montana's career and dealing with fame.

Along with advice about how to play the game, Dr. Athens said Mr. Montana, a former resident of Atherton, talked about how to be more of a team leader and handle practice sessions, autograph signings, media issues and teammates.

"I must say Joe and Tom have the same personalities -- they remind me of each other," says Dr. Athens. "I felt like I was in the middle of a 'passing the torch ceremony.' Tom has thanked me over and over for giving him the opportunity to meet Joe and take his mindset to a new level."

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