Tom Brady has stirred controversy in the lead-up to Super Bowl LX by stating he doesn’t “have a dog in the fight” between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The comment shocked many, given Brady’s deep history with the Patriots, including six Super Bowl victories and his 2021 Hall of Fame enshrinement, when he proudly declared, “I am Tom Brady, and I am a Patriot.”
His neutral stance has drawn criticism from former teammates, current players, and Patriots fans, highlighting the tension between Brady’s legacy in New England and his current affiliations.
Brady’s Neutrality Sparks Criticism Despite Legitimate Reasons And Professional Obligations
Brady has built-in reasons for remaining neutral. He is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and works as a broadcaster for FOX, though he will not be in the booth for the Super Bowl. Additionally, the Raiders are expected to hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach, which could explain some of Brady’s detachment. Still, many see his lack of public support for the Patriots as a betrayal of his lifelong connection to the team.
Tom Brady (NFL)Former Patriots teammate Vince Wilfork expressed his disappointment bluntly on Boston radio, calling Brady’s comments “bull crap” and criticizing him for being vague. Wilfork emphasized that being a “Patriot for life” comes with loyalty and suggested Brady should at least root for New England.
Rob Gronkowski, another close friend of Brady’s, offered a different perspective, suggesting that Brady’s neutrality reflects his competitive nature and desire to still be playing in the Super Bowl. Former cornerback Asante Samuel went further, hinting on social media that Brady might even be jealous of younger players like Drake Maye.
Current Patriots Players Struggle With Brady’s Neutral Stance Ahead Of Super Bowl
Current Patriots players are also reacting. Linebacker Robert Spillane, in his first year with the team, admitted that Brady’s stance “personally makes me sick,” but acknowledged that as a Raiders owner, Brady must consider his own interests. Brady, for his part, explained that he is in “a different phase” of life, wanting to enjoy the game as a fan and focus on the people he cares about.
Despite his reasoning, Patriots fans and players alike are struggling to accept Brady’s detachment, highlighting the deep emotional bond he still holds with the team and the tension between his past identity as a Patriot and his current professional roles. His comments have dominated pre-Super Bowl conversations, emphasizing how even a neutral stance from one of the NFL’s greatest players can elicit strong reactions.
