We are in unprecedented times — but you already know that about the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. 

At the same time, on the sports front, we are amidst unprecedented times as the sports world is nearly standing still, save for National Football League free agency and draft — but you already knew that. 

And how, we have entered unprecedented times in the world of the NFL, namely, in the sometimes seemingly impenetrable world of the New England Patriots. 

In what has to be the absolute worst timing possible, considering we are in the midst of a national emergency pandemic, arguably the greatest quarterback to ever grace the gridiron announced last week he would no longer don the Patriot’s uniform following two decades of being a Patriot. (An ESPN story noted he fled Foxborough amid a rift between himself and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.) 

I am, of course, talking about 1999 NFL Draft sixth-round selection Tom Brady, the six-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Super Bowl MVP, nine-time conference champion, three-time NFL MVP and 14-time Pro Bowler. 

Despite the heartache and sadness Brady has now caused Patriots fans, we will get through this. 

The Patriots are, without a doubt, the most dominant NFL team right now. 

The Patriots will do as they always do — reload, and win ... again, and again, and again. 

The sports world, too, will get through this. 

While it may, at this point, seem unlikely that sports will return — especially amid the postponement of the Olympics — sports will (eventually) return to the applause of everyone. 

School buildings will once again fill with students, restaurants will boom, and all will be right once again in the world — on the health and wellness front, at least. I can’t speak for the rest of our country’s dividing issues. 

In times like this, it is imperative for us to remember that we can, and we will, get through this. 

Wash your hands, cover your mouth, practice social distancing, and remember that we will get through this — the pandemic and Brady’s heartbreaking decision — as a nation, as a state, and as a community. 

George Harvey is the Sports Director for the Penobscot Bay Pilot. He can be reached via email at sports@penbaypilot.com.