Tom Brady, one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, recently stirred controversy with remarks he made ahead of Super Bowl LX that have drawn criticism from some of his former teammates and Patriots legends. Brady was asked about the upcoming championship game between his longtime team, the New England Patriots, and the Seattle Seahawks, but chose not to publicly back either side.
According to Newsweek, instead of declaring support for the Patriots, the franchise with which he won six Super Bowl titles, he said he had no particular allegiance in this matchup. His neutral stance has become a talking point in sports circles and led to strong reactions from those who once shared the field with him.
Brady’s comments came during an interview where he was asked whether he was rooting for New England, the organization that defined much of his career. Rather than pick the Patriots, he said he was hoping for an entertaining, competitive game. “I don’t have a dog in the fight in this one,” Brady explained. “May the best team win.”
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Brady Refuses To Back His Former Team
For many fans, Brady’s comments were surprising. His legacy in New England is widely celebrated, and the franchise has honored him with a statue and a place in the Patriots Hall of Fame. Brady, who recently commented on his former coach’s Hall of Fame snub, spent two decades there and became synonymous with the franchise’s success, including multiple division titles and six Lombardi Trophies. So when he declined to take a side, some observers found it unexpected given his long history with the organization.
Vince Wilfork, a former Patriots defensive lineman and teammate of Brady’s during that dynasty era, publicly criticized Brady’s remarks. Wilfork dismissed the idea of Brady having no rooting interest and pressed him to take a position in favor of New England. “That’s bull-crap, Tom,” Wilfork said. “If you’re a Patriot for life, you know what it is. Don’t give me that political bullcrap. If you don’t think we’re gonna win, just pick Seattle then.”
Another former Patriots teammate, Asante Samuel, also weighed in, taking to social media to express his disappointment. Samuel, who played with Brady early in his career, called Brady out for not publicly supporting Mike Vrabel, the Patriots’ head coach and another former teammate.
Samuel’s message mixed emotion and humor but made clear that he expected Brady to take pride in his former club’s achievements and publicly back them. “Tom Brady, I am highly — I mean highly — disappointed in you not rooting for your ex-teammate, Mike Vrabel,” Samuel wrote.
Other Patriots legends have also reacted, some more lightheartedly. Tedy Bruschi, another former standout with New England, used his own platform to make a strong prediction for the Patriots in the game and playfully contrasted his stance with Brady’s.
The criticism hasn’t been limited to just former teammates. Prominent sports media figures and longtime Patriots supporters have also weighed in. Bill Simmons, a well-known commentator and lifelong Boston sports fan, openly questioned Brady’s decision on social media.
Simmons pointed out Brady’s decorated history in New England, from his on-field success to being immortalized with a statue, and suggested his lack of public support felt inconsistent with that legacy. “There’s a statue of Tom Brady outside the stadium where the Patriots play,” Simmons wrote, noting that this history makes his neutrality difficult for many fans to accept.
Brady’s remarks highlight the complex position he occupies now. In addition to being one of the most accomplished players in NFL history, he has transitioned into roles outside of playing, including sports media and part-ownership of another NFL team.
This shift in perspective partly explains why he may feel comfortable remaining neutral in a matchup that doesn’t involve his current affiliations. While some view his comments as a pragmatic acknowledgment of his evolving career, others see them as a departure from the loyalty that once defined his relationship with the Patriots.
Published: Feb 5, 2026 03:00 pm