Tom Brady has made it clear that he disapproves of the way Daniel Jones managed his departure from the New York Giants. The former star quarterback-turned-broadcaster didn’t hold back during the FOX broadcast of the Giants’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Jones’ former team fell short in a 27-20 loss, and Brady took the opportunity to voice his discontent regarding Jones’ recent actions.
Midway through the second quarter, Brady and his broadcast partner, Kevin Burkhardt, discussed the current quarterback issues plaguing the Giants. During their candid conversation, Brady specifically called out Jones for requesting his release from the team the previous week—a move that left the Giants scrambling for stability at the quarterback position.
“I don’t know exactly how the whole situation unfolded,” Brady said during the broadcast. “But to think that you’d ask for a release from a team that committed a lot to you is maybe different than I would’ve handled that.” He added, “I always felt that earning the trust and respect of my teammates was the most important thing, regardless of the situation. I wanted them to know that I was committed to being the best I could be for the team.”
Brady’s criticism was pointed, and it highlighted the disconnect between the expectations placed on franchise quarterbacks and how Jones handled his situation. Brady, known for his long-term dedication to the New England Patriots and later to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, seemed to suggest that Jones’ decision showed a lack of loyalty and perseverance—qualities Brady himself embodied throughout his storied career.
Jones, who was released by the Giants just last week, has since signed with another NFC team. The circumstances surrounding his release, along with Brady’s criticism, have added another layer of scrutiny to what was already a turbulent period for the young quarterback.
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One can only imagine what Thanksgiving was like for Jones after Brady’s comments aired. Perhaps he was simply enjoying some turkey and stuffing when he suddenly found himself the target of Brady’s sharp words on national television.
Brady’s critique was blunt and left little room for interpretation: in his eyes, Jones’ exit from the Giants was not handled in a way befitting a franchise leader.
Ironically, Jones may have taken some solace later in the broadcast when Brady himself was put in an awkward position. During the Thanksgiving coverage, Brady was made to eat a piece of turducken on live television—an uncomfortable moment for the retired quarterback, who is known for his famously strict diet.
The scene provided a bit of comic relief, perhaps even giving Jones a small sense of satisfaction after being called out earlier in the game.
Ultimately, Brady’s remarks reflect a generational divide in how players approach team loyalty and career decisions. While Jones has moved on and now looks to make his mark with his new team, Brady’s critique serves as a reminder of the expectations and scrutiny that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.
It remains to be seen how Jones will respond to the added pressure, but one thing is for certain—Tom Brady has set a high bar for what it means to be a leader, and he made it clear that, in his view, Jones fell short.
