Tom Brady Picks a Side: Patriots Legend Backs New England Ahead of Super Bowl 60
Super Bowl 60 is almost here, and while the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots promises fireworks on the field, much of the pregame buzz has been dominated by what’s happening off it. And at the center of the latest twist? None other than Tom Brady.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion - and arguably the greatest quarterback to ever lace them up - found himself in unfamiliar territory this week: the middle of a fan firestorm. Not for a controversial call or a last-second drive, but for what he didn’t say.
Let’s break it down.
The Hall of Fame Snubs That Sparked the Fire
The lead-up to this year's Super Bowl has been anything but smooth for the Patriots faithful. First came the bombshell that Bill Belichick, the mastermind behind six of New England’s Super Bowl titles, wasn’t voted in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
That alone sent shockwaves through the NFL world. Add to that Patriots owner Robert Kraft also missing out on Hall of Fame honors - despite owning more Super Bowl rings than any other team owner - and the mood in Foxborough turned from celebratory to stunned.
The omissions hit hard, especially for those who lived through the Patriots dynasty. And when Brady - who built his legacy alongside Belichick and Kraft - initially stayed neutral on the Super Bowl matchup, it didn’t sit right with a lot of folks.
Brady’s Neutral Stance Raises Eyebrows
When asked about the Patriots-Seahawks showdown, Brady tried to play it cool. “I don’t have a dog in the fight in this one,” he said.
“May the best team win.” He went on to praise the current Patriots squad and head coach Mike Vrabel, a former teammate, calling this a “new chapter” for New England.
It was a diplomatic response, especially for someone now juggling dual roles as a FOX broadcaster and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
But that neutrality didn’t land well - especially with those who suited up alongside him.
Former Teammates Push Back
Vince Wilfork, the anchor of New England’s defensive line for a decade, didn’t mince words. “That’s bull-crap, Tom,” he said bluntly.
“Raiders ain’t in it. Say what it is… If you’re a ‘Patriot for life,’ you know what it is.
Don’t give me that political bullcrap.”
Rob Gronkowski, Brady’s longtime partner in offensive crime, took a lighter approach but still made his stance clear. “He probably wants to be the quarterback,” Gronk joked.
“He’s that competitive.” But when it came to picking a side, Gronk didn’t hesitate.
“I’m rooting for the Patriots. It’s bringing back just how dominant the Patriots are.”
Even Asante Samuel chimed in, calling out Brady on social media for not backing Vrabel, now the Patriots’ head coach. “I am highly - I mean highly - disappointed in you,” Samuel posted.
Brady Switches Gears
Whether it was the Hall of Fame snubs, the pushback from former teammates, or just a change of heart, Brady eventually made it clear where his loyalty lies.
On the Friday before the game, he posted a photo with Robert Kraft and captioned it: “You know I got your back RKK. Get that seventh ring so we can match.” That’s a nod to Kraft’s current six Super Bowl titles - one short of Brady’s seven, which includes the one he won with the Buccaneers after leaving New England.
So just like that, Brady’s made it official: he’s backing the Patriots in Super Bowl 60.
What This Means for the Patriots
Brady’s endorsement might not change the game plan, but it certainly adds emotional fuel for a franchise looking to reclaim its spot atop the NFL mountain. With Mike Vrabel at the helm and a new generation of Patriots players carrying the torch, New England is trying to write the next great chapter in its storied history.
And now, the man who helped write the first 20 years of that dynasty is back in their corner.
The Patriots are back in the Super Bowl. And now, so is Tom Brady - at least in spirit.