During Sunday’s NFC Championship showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, Tom Brady found himself at the center of some unexpected attention - and not for what happened on the field.
Brady, who’s wrapping up his second season in the broadcast booth alongside Kevin Burkhardt, dropped a comment early in the first quarter that had social media buzzing. As the game started to heat up, Brady offered his take on officiating in the postseason: “Let ‘em play in the playoffs. Unless there’s blood, don’t call it.”
Now, on its face, that’s the kind of old-school, let-the-players-decide-it mentality that a lot of fans and former players love to hear. It’s a nod to the physicality of playoff football - the belief that in the biggest moments, the whistles should be few and far between. But coming from Brady, the comment struck a nerve.
Almost immediately, fans took to social media to call out what they saw as a bit of irony. After all, this is the same Tom Brady who, during his playing days, built a reputation - fair or not - for getting favorable calls and being quick to lobby for flags. From the infamous "Tuck Rule" game to countless moments where defenders barely brushed him and still drew penalties, Brady’s career has long been intertwined with the perception of quarterback protection.
So when he said, “Unless there’s blood, don’t call it,” fans didn’t hold back. Memes and tweets came pouring in, comparing Brady’s playoff commentary to his on-field persona.
One fan joked that Brady’s version of “letting them play” used to mean throwing a flag if someone in the stands sneezed in his direction. Another pointed out the contrast between the tough-guy broadcast persona and the quarterback who once drew a roughing-the-passer call for a light tap on the helmet.
It’s the kind of moment that shows just how closely fans listen - and how long memories can be when it comes to legends like Brady. His post-playing career has been under a microscope from day one, especially after signing a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports back in 2022.
His first season in the booth drew mixed reviews, but year two has seen noticeable improvement. He’s more comfortable, more confident, and more willing to let his personality show - even if that sometimes means stirring the pot.
Just last week, Brady made headlines for a sharp comment aimed at the 49ers during their loss to Seattle, showing he’s not afraid to speak his mind. That same edge was on display again Sunday, whether he intended it to be controversial or not.
As the NFL world turns its attention to Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in two weeks - a game NBC will broadcast - Brady’s voice will temporarily step aside. But moments like this one prove he’s already become a central figure in the media landscape, just as he was on the field. And if he keeps delivering bold soundbites like “unless there’s blood,” fans will keep tuning in - whether they agree with him or not.