Tom Brady’s Super Bowl Neutrality Surprises Patriots Fans, While David Ortiz Keeps Flying the Boston Flag
The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl, and for fans across the Northeast, it feels like the return of an old friend. After a brief dip in the dynasty, the Pats are back on the NFL’s biggest stage, reigniting memories of the franchise’s two-decade reign over the league. But just as New England fans were gearing up to relive the glory days, a familiar face delivered a quote that left many scratching their heads - and some, frankly, disappointed.
Tom Brady, the man synonymous with Patriots greatness, went on the Let’s Go! podcast and made it clear he won’t be picking sides in the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
“I don’t have a dog in the fight in this one,” Brady said. “May the best team win.”
For a player who defined a generation of Patriots football - six Super Bowl rings, countless unforgettable playoff moments, and a legacy that earned him early entry into the Patriots Hall of Fame - the neutrality stung. This is the same Brady who was honored with a first-of-its-kind induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium, a night that felt more like a rock concert than a retirement tribute.
New England fans have treated him like royalty, and for many, he's still the face of the franchise. So when he took the middle ground, it felt like a gut punch.
It’s not just fans who were caught off guard. Some of Brady’s former teammates were just as surprised - and a little less diplomatic in their reactions.
“At the end of the day, if you’re a Patriot for life, you know what it is,” said former Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork during a radio appearance. “Don’t give me that political bullcrap.
That’s just what it is. If you don’t think we’re gonna win, just pick Seattle then.
Don’t straddle the fence.”
Wilfork’s words echoed the sentiment of a fanbase that’s used to seeing its legends stand tall behind their teams, even after retirement. And when it comes to Boston sports icons who wear their loyalty on their sleeves, David Ortiz immediately comes to mind.
Ortiz, the beloved Red Sox slugger, has never been shy about his allegiance. Whether he’s calling games for FOX or jawing with fellow analysts - including Yankees legends Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez - Big Papi makes it clear where his heart lies.
He picks the Red Sox in postseason predictions, even when the odds don’t favor them. He throws in a “theee Yankees lose” chant whenever the opportunity arises.
Ortiz doesn’t just rep Boston - he is Boston.
The contrast between the two legends is stark. Ortiz, who started his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins, became a Boston icon by embracing the city and the team that gave him his platform.
He never looked back. Brady, meanwhile, has moved on in a different way.
Now a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s in a unique position - one where showing open support for another franchise, even one where he built his legacy, gets complicated.
And that’s a fair point. It would be awkward - maybe even inappropriate - for a minority owner of one NFL team to publicly root for another.
From a business standpoint, Brady’s hands are tied. But that doesn’t make it any easier for Patriots fans to digest, especially when other former players are proudly backing the team.
At the end of the day, Tom Brady will always be a central figure in New England’s football story. His contributions are undeniable, his legacy secure. But in moments like this, fans are reminded that while dynasties may last decades, allegiances can evolve - especially when business interests enter the picture.
Still, if you're a Boston sports fan looking for someone who’ll never hesitate to ride with the home team, David Ortiz has you covered. And if the Red Sox make another October run soon, you can bet Big Papi will be front and center, reminding everyone what it means to be Boston for life.