Tom Brady Trash Talks Joe Burrow Over Oscars Party Antics

The seven-time Super Bowl champion took shots at the Cincinnati quarterback after he was seen leaving an Oscars party with Alix Earle, Tate McRae and Stassie Karanikolaou.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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Tom Brady didn't hold back on the smack talk at the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft on Wednesday, March 18, calling out team rival Joe Burrow for partying with Alix Earle after the Oscars on Sunday — a month after PEOPLE reported Brady was "hooking up" with Earle.

Why it matters

The trash talk between the two star quarterbacks highlights the ongoing rivalry and competitive spirit in the NFL, as well as the intense media scrutiny and speculation around the personal lives of high-profile athletes.

The details

As host Kevin Hart introduced the teams, Brady, 48, said it was very fitting of Burrow, 29, to play for a squad with the name "Wildcats" after he was photographed with Earle, Tate McRae and Stassie Karanikolaou during Oscars weekend. "That's what they called Joe the other night at those Oscars parties .. the Wildcat," Brady quipped. "At least he's here, no fashion shows to attend," the seven-time Super Bowl champion added, referencing Burrow's role as a brand ambassador for Alo.

  • On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic Draft took place.
  • On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Burrow was photographed leaving the Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty with Earle, McRae and Karanikolaou.
  • In February 2026, a source told PEOPLE that Brady and Earle were "hooking up".
  • On New Year's Eve 2025, Brady was spotted partying with Earle in St. Barths.

The players

Tom Brady

A seven-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals and a brand ambassador for Alo.

Alix Earle

A social media influencer who has been romantically linked to Tom Brady.

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What they’re saying

“That's what they called Joe the other night at those Oscars parties .. the Wildcat.”

— Tom Brady

“At least he's here, no fashion shows to attend.”

— Tom Brady

What’s next

The ongoing rivalry and competitive spirit between Brady and Burrow is likely to continue, as they face off on the field in the upcoming NFL season.

The takeaway

The trash talk between Brady and Burrow underscores the intense media scrutiny and speculation around the personal lives of high-profile athletes, as well as the importance of maintaining focus and professionalism in the face of off-field distractions.