A significant number of New England Patriots legends have publicly criticised their former teammate Tom Brady after the iconic quarterback remarkably declared that he would not be supporting his old team in the upcoming Super Bowl. This surprising stance has sparked considerable controversy and disappointment among the franchise's storied alumni.
Brady's Controversial Super Bowl Stance
Tom Brady, who secured an incredible six Super Bowl victories during his legendary 20-year tenure as the Patriots quarterback, formed the very centrepiece of the dynasty masterminded by coach Bill Belichick. His final Lombardi Trophy triumph with New England occurred in 2019, after which he departed and subsequently won another championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now, with the Patriots returning to the NFL's premier event to face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in Santa Clara, Brady has bizarrely admitted that he will not be rooting for his former team. He stated, 'I don't have a dog in the fight in this one. May the best team win.'
Brady elaborated further, saying, 'In terms of the Patriots, this is a new chapter in New England, and I'm glad everyone's embraced the Mike Vrabel regime, all the amazing players that have worked so hard to get their club to this position. We did it for 20 years. There was a little bit of a hiatus in there, but the Patriots are back and it's a very exciting time for everyone in New England.'
Fierce Backlash from Patriots Icons
This declaration has provoked anger and frustration from several former Patriots stars. Asante Samuel, a two-time Super Bowl winner with the franchise, took a very public swipe at Brady on social media platform X. He wrote aggressively, 'Tom Brady you have 23 hours to respond or it's up. I'm going ape s*** about who you are. Tom Brady new name "Flaw A** Brady". Brady you can't be the only one winning Super Bowls. Let me find out you hating on Drake Maye and Vrabel. "I don't have a dog in this fight". Tom Brady I am highly I mean highly disappointed in you not rooting for your ex teammate, Mike Vrabel who is about to do something special. I'm going to fye your a** up one of these mornings.'
Patriots legend Vince Wilfork also strongly criticised Brady's comments, stating bluntly, 'If you're a Patriot for life, you know what it is. Don't give me that political bullc***.'
Gronkowski Suggests Underlying Jealousy
Rob Gronkowski, who formed a deadly and highly successful partnership with Brady both in New England and later in Tampa Bay, expressed his confusion during an interview with Kay Adams. He said, 'Did he say that he's not rooting for the Patriots? Why? I don't know. I'm not Tom. I haven't talked to him yet since the Patriots have been to the Super Bowl. Because he probably wants to be the quarterback. He's that competitive. He wants to be the guy in the Super Bowl right now.' This remark hints that Gronkowski believes Brady may be experiencing jealousy that the Patriots have returned to the biggest stage without him.
Barstool Sports chief Dave Portnoy, a famously devoted Patriots fan, also voiced his disbelief at Brady's stance. He posted on X, 'I'm just gonna say this and move on. I think it's bull**** Tom Brady said he has no dog in the fight for the Super Bowl. It's pretty obvious he doesn't give a s*** about us anymore so maybe we shouldn't care about him either. Maybe it was just professional and that's fine.'
Historical Context and Brady's New Loyalties
It is worth noting that one of Brady's Super Bowl victories with New England came against these very Seattle Seahawks back in 2015, where he inspired a spectacular come-from-behind victory to secure his fourth championship ring. Despite this history, the Fox television commentator has set aside any sentimental feelings this weekend, citing his new professional affiliations.
Brady explained his current perspective, saying, 'You have different chapters and moments that you go through where you’re affiliated with a certain team at Michigan and then I was with the Patriots for 20 years, I was with Tampa for three amazing years. I’ve been in broadcasting, now I’m an owner of the Raiders. Those memories that I have are forever ingrained in me. Now in a different phase in my life I root for people and people I really care about.'
This shift in allegiance, while understandable from a career progression standpoint, has clearly not sat well with those who built the Patriots dynasty alongside him, creating a significant rift just days before the Super Bowl.
