Tom Brady has taken another clear step in separating himself from the New England Patriots after revealing he would not be supporting the team during Super Bowl LX. The FOX Sports analyst’s refusal to back his former franchise ignited widespread backlash across the NFL community.
Brady’s announcement surfaced in the lead-up to the championship clash featuring the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on February 8. His position surprised many, as Brady maintained he held no allegiance toward New England’s Super Bowl campaign.
Social Media Moves Signal Growing Detachment from Patriots
Fans closely observed that Brady, now 48 years old, unfollowed the Patriots’ official Instagram account, which added fuel to the ongoing controversy. Despite this, he continues to follow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on social media, the team where he spent his last three NFL seasons before retiring.
During his 20-year tenure with New England, Brady amassed six Super Bowl titles, 17 AFC East division crowns, and three MVP awards, cementing his legendary status with the franchise. Still, he expressed a clear disinterest in backing the Patriots this postseason, calling the current matchup “a different chapter.”
Brady Reflects on His Career and Changing Affiliations
Speaking on the ‘Let’s Go! podcast, Brady outlined how different phases of his life correspond with his associations.
“I think there’s always different chapters in your life,”
he said.
“And you have different chapters and moments that you go through where you are affiliated with a certain team. Michigan, and then I was with the Patriots for 20 years. I was with Tampa for three amazing years. I’ve been in broadcasting, now I’m an owner of the Raiders.”
He added that the memories from his playing days remain permanently engraved and expressed gratitude towards those who contributed to the team’s success over two decades.
“Look, I don’t have a dog in the fight in this one,”
Brady remarked, continuing, “May the best team win. And in terms of the Patriots, this is a new chapter in New England. And I’m glad everyone has embraced the Mike Vrabel regime, all the amazing players that have worked so hard to get their club to this position.”
He acknowledged the team’s resilience:
“We did it for 20 years. There was a little bit of a hiatus in there, but the Patriots are back and it’s a very exciting time for everyone in New England.”
Ex-Teammates and Patriots Players Criticize Brady’s Neutral Stance
Several Patriots figures have spoken out in frustration over Brady’s refusal to back the franchise this Super Bowl season. Vince Wilfork, a teammate from 2004 to 2014, openly criticized Brady’s neutral public position during an interview with Savage Sports.
“Come on now. All that political – this ain’t political. It ain’t political, what it is. The Raiders ain’t in it. Say what it is, what you see?”
– Vince Wilfork, Former Patriots Player
“At the end of the day, if you’re a Patriot for life you know what it is. Don’t give me that political bull—-. That’s just what it is. If you don’t think we gonna win, just pick Seattle then! Don’t straddle the fence.”
– Vince Wilfork, Former Patriots Player
Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane also voiced his disappointment to reporters, asserting:
“So for him to say that … It is what it is. At the end of the day, he’s an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders now, so he has to do what’s best for him.”
– Robert Spillane, Patriots Linebacker
Understanding the Implications of Brady’s Disengagement from New England
Brady’s distancing from the Patriots reflects a new era for both the franchise and the quarterback, who now focuses on ownership with the Raiders. His public impartiality has stirred unresolved tension among Patriots supporters and former teammates, exposing a rift that contrasts with Brady’s historically iconic status in New England.
As Super Bowl 60 approaches, the Patriots prepare to face the Seahawks with hopes of returning to the championship pinnacle. Fans will have the option to watch the game live through DAZN’s NFL Game Pass, which includes the authentic U.S. broadcast and full NFL content access until July 31.
Brady’s position is likely to influence conversations about loyalty, the evolution of player-team relationships, and the transition from athlete to commentator and executive.
