Tom Brady: His wife calls on Higher Authority for Super Bowl XLVI

Athletes of all kinds constantly search for that one thing that can improve their performance or their team's.

Reportedly, Gisele Bundchen, supermodel and wife of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, is seeking to rally divine support when it comes to her husband. She has emailed family and friends to pray for Brady and his team this Sunday, according to The New York Post.

“I feel Tommy really needs our prayer, our support and love at this time,” Bundchen wrote in the email message obtained by the Post.

“This sunday will be a really important day in my husband’s life. He and his team worked so hard to get to this point and now they need us more than ever to send them positive energy so they can fulfill their dream of winning this super bowl . . ."

Reached via email, Bundchen told the Post Wednesday, "I am surprised that you received this email; it was a private note only sent to close friends and family."

It's safe to say whomever forwarded the note the the Post won't be on the Brady Christmas Card list next year. The New York Post crowed in its print headline. "Not a prayer!"

Now, a request for prayer is nothing new in any line of work. US sports fans should be used to the idea. Many professional and college athletes routinely and publicly pray – individually or as a team – before games. Exhibit A: Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, a devout Christian, led his team to the NFL playoffs, eventually losing to Brady and the Patriots.

There may be other emails, requesting divine support, being sent out by Patriots or their family members as well as by members of the New York Giants.   If so, should their private petitions be shared on the front page of The New York Post or The Boston Globe?

Should Bundchen have known better than to send such an email to friends?