Tom Brady Shows Support for Kraft, Patriots After Backlash

The NFL legend backtracked on his earlier comments distancing himself from his former team.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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New England Patriots legend Tom Brady faced significant backlash from fans and former teammates this week after saying he didn't "have a dog in the fight" when asked who he was rooting for in the Super Bowl matchup between the Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Brady has now posted messages of support for Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the team on social media, appearing to walk back his earlier comments.

Why it matters

Brady's comments were seen as a betrayal by many Patriots fans and players, who expected the legendary quarterback to show more loyalty to the team and organization that he led to six Super Bowl championships. His reversal on social media suggests he recognized the need to mend fences with the Patriots community.

The details

In his initial comments on a podcast, Brady said he didn't "have a dog in the fight" when it came to the Super Bowl, distancing himself from his former team. This drew strong criticism from former Patriots players like Tedy Bruschi and Vince Wilfork, who felt Brady should be firmly backing the team. On Friday, Brady posted messages on Instagram showing his support for Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the team, saying he has their "back" and wants them to "get that 7th ring."

  • On Monday, Brady made the controversial comments on his "Let's Go!" Sirius XM podcast.
  • On Friday, Brady posted the supportive messages for the Patriots on his Instagram Stories.

The players

Tom Brady

A legendary NFL quarterback who spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowls.

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots.

Roger Goodell

The Commissioner of the National Football League.

Robert Spillane

A linebacker for the New England Patriots.

Tedy Bruschi

A former linebacker for the New England Patriots who played with Tom Brady.

Vince Wilfork

A former defensive tackle for the New England Patriots who played with Tom Brady.

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What they’re saying

“Personally it makes me sick.”

— Robert Spillane, Patriots Linebacker (nbcboston.com)

“I'm telling you that right now, that's my boy right there you know, Vrabel, eight-year teammate, like a brother of mine, I mean all of us really I mean, it's like we've got a dog in the fight, my dog is big and I'm cheering for him.”

— Tedy Bruschi, Former Patriots Linebacker (WEEI)

“That's bull crap Tom. Come on now, all that political, this ain't political, it ain't political, what it is, Raiders ain't in it, say what it is, what you see.”

— Vince Wilfork, Former Patriots Defensive Tackle (WEEI)

What’s next

The Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Tom Brady's reversal on social media suggests he recognized the need to mend fences with the Patriots community after his initial comments were seen as a betrayal by many fans and former teammates. This episode highlights the enduring loyalty and passion of Patriots fans, who expect their legendary players to show unwavering support for the team.