Like the Giants’ and Eagles’ defenses before him, social pressure nudged Tom Brady off the sidelines during Super Bowl week. After initially saying he had “no dog in the fight,” Brady changed course and used his Instagram Story to send Patriots owner Robert Kraft a supportive message — a short note telling Kraft he’s got his back and urging him to go for a seventh ring.
Brady’s earlier comments, in which he said he roots for people rather than teams, had rubbed several former teammates the wrong way. He explained that life includes many chapters — college, 20 years with the Patriots, three seasons in Tampa, and now an ownership role with the Raiders — and that his loyalties are more about the people he knows than any particular jersey. That stance drew sharp reactions: Vince Wilfork dismissed it as “political bullshit,” Asante Samuel Sr. called Brady “Flawless” but said he was disappointed that Brady didn’t publicly back coach Mike Vrabel and even joked about replacing Brady’s statue in Foxboro, Rob Gronkowski has openly cheered for New England, and current linebacker Robert Spillane called the whole idea “sickening.”
After the pushback, Brady’s message to Kraft read like a small retreat, although it also fits his explanation that he mainly supports people he cares about. Whether that will mend fences with former teammates and fans remains unclear.
If the Patriots win on Sunday, they would claim a record seventh Super Bowl title — matching the seven rings Brady earned as a player — and underscore how intertwined his legacy remains with the franchise, despite his current ties to the Raiders and a minority ownership stake. A statue of Brady was unveiled in Foxboro last August, a reminder that his impact on New England endures.
Fan Take: This matters because retired stars still shape fandom and locker-room narratives; Brady’s words and actions can sway public sentiment and stir team rivalries. The episode highlights how personal loyalties and legacy can complicate the modern NFL’s mix of team identity, ownership ties, and media spectacle.
