Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback, has reversed his stance and expressed support for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft ahead of Super Bowl LX, encouraging him to secure a seventh Super Bowl victory. This comes after days of controversy following Brady’s earlier comments that he had no rooting interest in the championship game.
In a surprising turn of events, Tom Brady, who spent two decades with the New England Patriots, initially told Jim Gray on the “Let’s Go!” podcast that he didn’t have a “dog in the fight” for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. His neutral stance sparked immediate backlash from Patriots fans, media, and former teammates, who felt betrayed by the quarterback’s lack of allegiance to the franchise where he won six of his seven Super Bowl titles.
However, late Friday night, Brady took to social media to post a picture with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, captioned, “You know I got your back RKK. Get that seventh ring so we can match.” This message, referring to Kraft’s middle name Kenneth, marked a clear shift in Brady’s public position and was seen as an attempt to mend fences with the New England community. The post quickly went viral, garnering attention across sports news outlets.
Brady’s relationship with Kraft and the Patriots is deeply rooted, having been drafted by the team in 2000 and leading them to unprecedented success until his departure in 2020. Kraft played a pivotal role in Brady’s career, approving a statue in his honor outside Gillette Stadium and fast-tracking his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. This history made Brady’s initial comments all the more startling to those who viewed him as an integral part of the Patriots’ legacy.
The controversy highlights the complex dynamics of Brady’s post-retirement life, where he now serves as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and a broadcaster for Fox Sports. His earlier neutrality was partly attributed to his business interests, including the Raiders’ connection to Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is expected to become their next head coach. Yet, the public outcry seemed to pressure Brady into reaffirming his ties to New England.
Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, features a Patriots team seeking a record seventh championship under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, a former teammate of Brady’s. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Geno Smith and a stout defense, are favored by many analysts, but Brady’s endorsement could boost morale for the Patriots as they aim to cap a remarkable turnaround season.
Brady’s reversal may have strategic implications, potentially influencing fan sentiment and team psychology ahead of the big game. It also underscores the enduring bond between Brady and Kraft, suggesting that despite his new roles, his heart remains with the franchise that defined his career. The incident has sparked discussions about athlete loyalties in the era of media and business diversification.
As the Super Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Patriots can deliver on Brady’s call for a seventh ring. A victory would not only secure Kraft’s place in NFL history but also allow Brady to share in the glory, matching his own ring count. Regardless of the outcome, this episode has added an emotional layer to an already highly anticipated championship showdown.
