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Tom Brady is under fire after making a puzzling remark during the Fox Sports broadcast on Sunday, September 21.
As cameras showed Dallas wide receiver George Pickens visibly frustrated on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the Cowboys-Chicago Bears matchup, Brady attempted to provide commentary that quickly sparked backlash.
"Those helmets can be ... it is like the dog at home," Brady said. "Kick the dog, throw the helmet, whatever it takes."
His partner in the booth, Kevin Burkhardt, did not respond to the comment, but viewers immediately reacted online. Social media users accused the retired quarterback of making light of animal abuse. One post on X called the line "disgraceful" and said it could "encourage others to harm animals." Another user asked, "Did Tom Brady just insinuate to kick a dog with that comment?" while a third wrote, "What an odd thing to say."
Brady, who entered the Fox Sports booth in September 2024, is still working to establish himself as an analyst after what was described as a rocky debut. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history, but his transition to broadcasting has not been without missteps.
This latest controversy arrives as Brady is juggling his role as a commentator with other ventures. On September 15, he announced he would return to the field — not for the NFL, but for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a global event set for March 21, 2026, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event will feature three teams of eight players in a round robin format, with the top two advancing to a championship match. Alongside Brady, confirmed names include Rob Gronkowski, Odell Beckham Jr., Tyreek Hill, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Sauce Gardner, Myles Garrett, Brock Bowers, and Maxx Crosby. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will host the showcase, with Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan serving as coaches. Fans can watch live on Tubi or on Fox Sports.
While excitement builds for Brady's return to play, his latest on-air remark has sparked a very different kind of conversation — and one that has left many questioning his judgment as a broadcaster.
