Tom Brady and Antonio Brown were once key players in leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a victory in Super Bowl LV, but despite their shared triumph, their relationship has been rocky, and Brown rarely misses a chance to take a shot at his former teammate. Following Brady’s highly anticipated but underwhelming debut as a TV analyst for Fox Sports, Brown seized the moment to mock the NFL legend.
Brady made his first appearance in the broadcast booth during the Dallas Cowboys-Cleveland Browns game, and his performance was met with a flood of criticism from fans, media personalities, and even former players. Many described the seven-time Super Bowl champion as uncomfortable and lacking the charisma needed for television. Some pointed out that his delivery lacked the enthusiasm and energy one might expect from a player who dominated the sport for over two decades. Even his former NFL colleagues acknowledged that the transition from field to booth can be tough, and Brady would likely need time to adjust.
However, Antonio Brown’s sarcastic jab stood out among the wave of reactions. Never one to hold back, the former wide receiver took a swipe at his former quarterback’s awkward debut. Brown, who has had a tumultuous history with Brady, poked fun at Fox’s decision to hand Brady a massive 10-year, $375 million contract as their lead analyst.
“Maybe someone should have listened to Tom Brady actually say words before dropping $300 million on him,” Brown wrote on X (formerly Twitter), mocking the decision to sign Brady before his on-air skills had been tested. Brown’s taunt quickly caught fire, as his followers and other NFL fans weighed in on the post, with many echoing his sentiments.
Fans were quick to pile on, with one commenting, “He seemed so out of place—like he didn’t even want to be there!” Another added, “AB would have brought way more energy than Brady. Missed opportunity, Fox!” A third user chimed in, saying, “You’ve been preaching today, AB. Brady looked lost.”
Despite the mockery, some fans came to Brady’s defense, recognizing that even the best athletes need time to settle into a new role. “Give him a break, man. Romo was awkward at first too, and now look at him,” one fan commented, referring to Tony Romo’s rough start before becoming one of the top commentators in the game.
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The criticism wasn’t entirely unjustified. During his debut, Brady struggled to engage the audience, even during a pivotal moment when Cowboys kicker Brando Aubrey nearly attempted a record-breaking 71-yard field goal. Brady’s muted response during key moments like this left many viewers feeling disappointed by the lack of excitement from someone who had been at the center of some of the NFL’s greatest moments.
The relationship between Brady and Brown has long been marked by tension. The two first teamed up in New England when Brown briefly played for the Patriots, but their partnership was cut short due to Brown’s off-field issues. When Brady joined the Buccaneers in 2020, he vouched for Brown to join him, hoping to revive the receiver’s career.
Though they had some success, their relationship eventually soured again, with Brown publicly criticizing Brady after leaving the team under controversial circumstances.
Brown’s latest jab at Brady is just another chapter in their ongoing feud, highlighting the complicated dynamic between the two former teammates.
While Brady’s first outing as a broadcaster may not have been a home run, his vast knowledge of the game and competitive drive suggest that he’ll likely improve with time. But for now, it seems Brown is more than happy to revel in his former teammate’s misstep, keeping the rivalry alive.
As Brady continues to navigate the transition from NFL superstar to television personality, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. Whether he silences his critics, including Brown, remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Brady’s second act in the world of sports will be just as scrutinized as his legendary career on the field.
