Tom Brady may be retired from the NFL, but his passion for the game keeps him in the spotlight. On Sunday, during his role as a color commentator for FOX Sports, the legendary quarterback provided sharp insights and entertaining commentary for the matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, one particularly funny slip-up in the third quarter had viewers buzzing.
The Comment That Sparked Laughter
As the Eagles were contemplating a fourth-down conversion in Steelers territory, Brady pointed out the challenges facing the team due to kicker Jake Elliott’s inconsistent season. But instead of mentioning Elliott by name, Brady referred to him as … “Akers.”
The mistake left fans momentarily scratching their heads. Brady was, of course, referencing David Akers, the Eagles’ longtime kicker and a franchise legend. The problem? Akers hasn’t been in the NFL since 2013 and last played for Philadelphia back in 2010—nearly a decade before Elliott even joined the Eagles.
A Smooth Recovery
In classic Brady fashion, the seven-time Super Bowl champion quickly caught his error and smoothly played it off. With a chuckle, he joked, “These Philly kickers run together.” The lighthearted moment drew laughs from his broadcasting team and viewers alike, showing that even one of the most accomplished athletes in sports history isn’t immune to a harmless mix-up.
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A Walk Down Memory Lane
For fans of the Eagles, Brady’s slip served as an unintentional trip back to the glory days of David Akers, who remains one of the most beloved kickers in team history. Akers spent 12 seasons with Philadelphia, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and earning five Pro Bowl selections. His consistency and clutch performances cemented his legacy, but it’s been well over a decade since he donned an Eagles jersey.
Brady’s misstep may have been rooted in his own lengthy NFL career, spanning 23 seasons from 2000 to 2022. Having faced the Eagles numerous times over the years, including in two Super Bowls, Brady may have found the past blending with the present in his mind—a phenomenon many fans and players alike can relate to.
Jake Elliott’s Season in Focus
Despite the error, Brady’s broader point about Jake Elliott was valid. The Eagles kicker, while still reliable in critical moments, has had a season filled with ups and downs. His recent struggles have led to memes and critiques from fans, making him a topic of conversation even outside of Brady’s nostalgic commentary.
Elliott’s shaky performances this season have occasionally put the Eagles in tough spots, forcing the coaching staff to make decisions like the one they faced during Sunday’s game. Though Elliott remains a talented kicker, the heightened scrutiny mirrors the pressures Akers once faced during his own storied career with the team.
A Moment of Fun Amid Serious Analysis
Brady’s accidental reference to Akers provided a brief moment of levity in what was otherwise a fiercely contested game. The Eagles ultimately proved victorious, thanks to their dynamic offense and stout defense. Meanwhile, Brady’s commentary continued to showcase his deep understanding of the game, even as fans teased him for his amusing mistake.
Social Media Reacts
Fans on social media were quick to weigh in on Brady’s mix-up, with many appreciating his ability to laugh at himself.
“Tom Brady just called Jake Elliott ‘Akers.’ Time really is a flat circle,” one fan tweeted.
Another joked, “Brady bringing back David Akers out of retirement in the broadcast booth is the most Philly thing ever.”
Others used the moment to reflect on Akers’ legacy: “Low-key glad Brady said Akers. Reminded me how much I miss that dude kicking for the Eagles.”
A Charming Glimpse of Humanity
For Brady, the moment served as a reminder that even the greatest athletes aren’t perfect—and that’s part of what makes them relatable. His quick recovery and self-deprecating humor turned what could have been an awkward mistake into a charming highlight of the broadcast.
As Brady continues to explore his post-playing career in broadcasting, fans can look forward to more insights, and perhaps a few more endearing blunders, from the NFL’s all-time great.
In the meantime, Jake Elliott can rest assured that his name—and not Akers’—will remain in the spotlight as the Eagles march toward another potential playoff run.
