Bradshaw: Brady’s Ego Too Big
March 25th, 2020
Not on Tom Brady bandwagon.
A four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback cannot believe what a six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback is doing.
The former would be Terry Bradshaw, the Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and current FOX Sports talking head.
The latter would be new Bucs quarterback and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady.
In an interview with Ed Bouchette of The Athletic, Bradshaw, never known to hold his tongue, scolded Brady for leaving the Patriots and coming to the Bucs.
In fact, Bradshaw believes that the only reason Brady will play for the Bucs is that his ego is getting in the way.
“Why in the world does he want to keep on playing at 43 other than to prove to New England he’s more important than Bill Belichick?” Bradshaw said. “That’s the way I would look at it. Why the hell do you want to go to Tampa? The only thing I can think of is ego gets involved and you decide, ‘I’ll show ’em who’s more important.’
“I would never have done that, and I was shocked he was leaving. Shocked. I’ve never known a great quarterback — a great quarterback — at the end of his career, go to another team and do anything. Now, Brady’s different — nine Super Bowls, six victories. He’s a different cat. But the offense they ran in New England was perfect for him.”
Well, as Brady pointed out yesterday in his conference call, there was this guy named Joe Montana, widely thought to be the best quarterback in NFL history until this Brady fellow came along.
Montana was past his prime when he was traded to the Chiefs at age 37. Montana still had the skills, the smarts and some of his famous arm. But Montana by then was brittle as a china doll. In his first year in Kansas City, Montana got the Chiefs to the AFC title game at Buffalo before he was knocked out of the game by Jeff Wright with a concussion.
Montana lasted one more year when he guided the Chiefs to the playoffs before losing to Dan Marino and the Dolphins. And that was that for the legend.
“I don’t know what the hell Tom’s doing. I think Tom, at 43, there has to be something going on for him to want to leave there, right? Gotta be,” Bradshaw said. “He’s got to feel they don’t want him, he’s got to feel unappreciated, got to feel, ‘I got to get out from underneath Belichick.’
“He knows they’re saying, ‘Who was more important, the coach or the quarterback?’ Has Robert Kraft come out and said, ‘We want him back, we need him back, he’s our guy?’ Is anyone fighting for him? I haven’t noticed any of that.”
Bradshaw added he believes Brady is walking into a good situation with the Bucs. He loves the weapons Brady will have to throw to and really likes the Bucs’ defense. Bradshaw emphasized that while he hopes Brady succeeds with the Bucs, putting an NFL offense into the hands of a 43-year old quarterback, Bradshaw said, is a major gamble.
Joe wonders if there is an underlying issue here?
Joe spoke with Bradshaw during a FOX Sports media availability during Super Bowl week back in January. Bradshaw is an outspoken defender of Mr. Entertainment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston. At one point Bradshaw seemed to suggest Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians was in part responsible for Jameis’ 30 picks.
Bradshaw ended Joe’s chat saying, “Coach ’em up, Bruce!”
This isn’t the first time Bradshaw had harsh words for a top-shelf quarterback. Bradshaw once had a memorable feud with John Elway that was sparked when Elway squeezed the Colts to trade him when he was a rookie.
March 25th, 2020 at 3:46 am
Terry is a legend but he’s like that crotchety old uncle about some things.
Of course it’s about ego with Brady but that comes with the territory when you’re a fierce competitor.
March 25th, 2020 at 4:28 am
@Joe … “At one point Bradshaw seemed to suggest Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians was in part responsible for Jameis’ 30 picks.”
I’ve long believed that Joe, but we’ll never know, will we. For Jameis’ average number of picks (15 per season) to double in his 1st season under BA certainly insinuates that something was very wrong. And for Jameis to throw 7 Pick-6 pretty much verifies that IMO. BUT … Jameis wasn’t replaced by BA because of the INTs. In any event, that’s all water under the bridge Joe. LET IT GO.
Regarding Bradshaw’s take on Tom Brady, that’s simply his opinion. Yes Brady has an ego. Big deal, he’s also The GOAT. Bradshaw might be jealous? Yes Terry has 4 SB rings, but Brady & Bradshaw aren’t even close to being in the same league as far as individual performance goes. Bradshaw over his 14-year career averaged 51.9% completion rate, 279 passing attempts per year and 15 passing TDs per year. IOW, the Steelers were an awesome defensive team with a great running game anchored by a couple of all-time great RBs named Franco Harris & Rocky Bleier.
Noticed something interesting about Bradshaw that might explain why he liked Jameis so much. In Bradshaw’s first 5 years he threw 48 TD passes … against 81 INTs. Yup, that’s 81 INTs in 5 years. And in his rookie season he threw 6 TDs … against 24 INTs. Amazing that the Steelers kept him; any other team would’ve canned him after Season 1. I’d be loyal to them too after that.
March 25th, 2020 at 4:34 am
Jealousy will get you no where, Bradshaw, just because you never achieved what TB has, and you never will.
March 25th, 2020 at 4:41 am
Bradshaw is a realist…its hard not to be optimistic with a name brand super qb…but the reality your getting him at the wrong cost…Winston got pummeled at times 43yr old bones cant be better than 20 something #realbucsfan #50/50attitude
March 25th, 2020 at 4:50 am
Joe, can you please give Bradshaw a proper introduction. It needs to say 4-time Super Bowl winner and STAR of Cannonball Run.
Thank you!
March 25th, 2020 at 5:04 am
He’s not wrong on any points, but I don’t think Belichick wanted him either. So for us, a p!ssed off Brady is great for the Bucs.
March 25th, 2020 at 5:22 am
Brady is still competing with Brees for individual league records.it definitely is an ego trip. Thumbing his nose at the perceived snub by the Patriots has to be a factor as well. Bradshaw is an entertainer and a straight shooter. He tells it like he sees it and should be respected for that. He played in an era where QBs called the plays and won four league championships doing it. I want the Bucs to win no matter what, but Brady is a temporary fix. Now we’re back to searching for a QB after our defense finally showed some signs of life. Chemistry interrupted when the only thing that needed to be fixed was QB turnovers.
March 25th, 2020 at 5:25 am
Is Bradshaw a shrink now? More like a clown.
March 25th, 2020 at 6:01 am
Why does every post have to contain America’s QB in it? Can’t we move on and be positive that we’ve signed the best QB of all time. I never thought Bradshaw was worth listening too.
March 25th, 2020 at 6:12 am
I like Bradshaw, but I could care less why Brady left the patriots. If (giant if) he stays healthy, imho the playoffs are a gimme. I just hope that we don’t go into this season half a$$ed at quarterback like we always do. A viable backup (Cam?Dalton?) is imperative. Gotta draft a young fella early too so he can learn behind the best. Will the front office finally have a contingency plan at quarerback? Lol, I doubt it and I don’t think that they are afraid to hurt Brady’s feelings either. The front office is just dumb as a box of rocks at acquiring certain positions. Running back is another perfect example.
Watched the Bucs vs Raiders Super bowl for the umpteenth time on NFL network. Damn that team was awesome. Super excited for this season and for this coronavirus to end. My kids are driving me flipping nuts. Stay safe y’all. 😜
March 25th, 2020 at 6:17 am
Hey, Tiger Woods won The Masters at 43…….just sayin’
March 25th, 2020 at 6:26 am
“Never know a Great quarterback to leave and have success”??? Never heard of Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, or Brett Farve? All a pretty good success at their final teams.
March 25th, 2020 at 6:30 am
Coach Ariens was on the Rich Eisen show and it was an outstanding interview!!!
March 25th, 2020 at 6:34 am
Time to party Joe. I know your hurt but it will be okay. You can still follow America’s Unwanted QB holding a clipboard for another NFL team. Do you find it odd that no other team has signed “Mr Entertainment”? Don’t think for a minute these billionaire owners don’t know the real story associated with the legal issues that JW faced at FSU, Uber, etc.
March 25th, 2020 at 6:42 am
I think Bradshaw might be jealous….
March 25th, 2020 at 6:44 am
Research/ google the brady bellicheat story and it will tell you the reason
Bellicheck tried to trade brady to 49ers the offseason after they just won the super bowl …and the 49ers were looking for Garrapolo.. robert craft put the cabash on it but brady found out. And i know its a business and bellicheat was thinking younger guy is future…but you just win super bowl and head coach is throwing you to the curb. Of course he is peeved. He played for peanuts over the years as well to sacrifice for team and coach and organization and your coach does that..john lynch even confirmed the story
So yah …he has something to prove…to say F and U to Bellicheat. I think its awesome for us…brady always has chip on shoulder. No question he wants championship on his own so he can send Beliicheat a sh!t burger in the mail
March 25th, 2020 at 6:44 am
“I would never have done that”
Guess that’s why you only have four rings, loser!! 😂
March 25th, 2020 at 6:49 am
“Why in the world does he want to keep on playing at 43 other than to prove to New England he’s more important than Bill Belichick?
Good. That’s what the Bucs want. It’s better than “he’s just doing it for the money.”
March 25th, 2020 at 6:52 am
Bradshaw played in an era where there was no such thing as free agency for the players. Players do a lot of things today that are unbelievable for him.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:05 am
No matter who’s at QB,if we don’t fix the OL, no way Brady last throughout the season. Winston was sacked 47 times last year n many times since he’s been behind this line. I’m hoping Brady drill the laziness out of LT DSmith. He often plays timid n soft. All we need to do is fix the OL. I would love that OL from Georgia or Louisville in 1st round n rb from LSU 3rd round n possible penn state wr (clone of AB without the drama) if we give up two 4th rounds to get him. Our secondary is fine we need one more good DE then we r set.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:45 am
Cardiac Joe can’t get over the Bucs not resigning Winston.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:45 am
If his ego is to big that means hes motivated, thats a good thing for us.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:46 am
Old man Bradshaw…..
March 25th, 2020 at 7:48 am
Terry…Newsflash…
They don’t allow QB’s to be beat into pulp every game now days like they did in yours. Amazing you guys can even walk or talk anymore that played QB during your era. The equipment is better…the nutritional and workout protocols are better.
You were one tough guy…no doubt. But don’t think you, I or anyone has the right to complement or criticize Brady for wanting to play a couple more years.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:49 am
I guess today is my moderation day again.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:56 am
Once a Steeler asshole always a Steeler asshole. If it wasn’t for a great supporting cast ass wipe Bradshaw wouldn’t have any rings. Jealousy will get you nowhere.
March 25th, 2020 at 7:57 am
Rod… “Cannonball Run”..Great reference!. But don’t forget Bradshaw was snubbed by the Oscars in his iconic role as…. himself in Smokey and the Bandit II….
March 25th, 2020 at 8:13 am
Ego is what motivates humans to achieve. Bradshaw just wants to be relevant with a hot take, like all the talking heads. Bradshaw might have the biggest ego of them all.
March 25th, 2020 at 8:17 am
I wonder the response if Brady had signed with a team that had a bigger market, i.e., L.A., NY or Dallas, would he be criticized for leaving NE
March 25th, 2020 at 8:26 am
I remember Brady came to Malcom Butlers defense when Belichick benched him before the superbowl game was about to start.
March 25th, 2020 at 8:42 am
Lol Terry Bradshaw popping off again. I think a small part of this is Brady wanting to prove he can do it without Belichek but it’s mostly because he wants to have fun winning! He’s going to have more fun than he did at High School keg parties.
If it was truly about Ego then Brady would have wanted $33mln+ per. He proved he’s all about winning by putting his money where his mouth is.
March 25th, 2020 at 8:57 am
Bradshaw is a dumb hick. Seriously- wtf does this pound cake know except how to make a total a$$ out of himself on idiotic TV commercials. Goofball moron.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:03 am
I will take a pissed off Brady on an ego trip for at least the next two years if that means bringing the Bucs back to relevance.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:04 am
I mean he’s not wrong? There was absolutely an ego war between Brady and Belichick.
Does anyone actually think Tom Brady doesn’t have an ego? I thought this was obvious.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:23 am
DR
check his INT total for when he played 16games, like he did under BA and you’ll get a different/higher INT average…..
regarding bradshaw on brady he’s off base….lol….
brady is the ultimate competitor……brady just wants to compete….bill didnt want to give him the well earned opportunity so he found a team that would…..its that simple….imo, bill is the one with the ego problem…..
GO BUCS!!!!
March 25th, 2020 at 9:25 am
I think one of the main reasons Brad decided Tampa was because of the weapons here. Brady is probably wanting to take over all time leader stats of yards, TDs, completions, and what ever else he has his sights on. In NE they didn’t have the weapons he probably thought would allow him to reach those.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:27 am
Remember what they said about Bradshaw… so dumb he couldn’t spell cat if you spotted him the c and a.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:36 am
SC
lol…
it was the C and the T…LMAO…..
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 25th, 2020 at 9:40 am
This coming from the biggest buffoon in any room at any given time.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:41 am
Real shallow of those who go after Bradshaws intelligence just for a simple take on things.
Even after this is something he’s openly struggled with during and after his time in Pittsburgh.
Bradshaw is more successful than any of the trolls going after his vulnerabilities. Losers.
March 25th, 2020 at 9:49 am
Qbs don’t get hit like they used to
March 25th, 2020 at 10:13 am
Never saw a competitor who didn’t have an ego, but 20 years in pro football (not counting college, high school, and down to pee-wee) teaches you to be a team player.
Brady has tried to be a team player by downsizing his salary and was betrayed by last season’s worthless team. He wants the world to know that he feels it.
Beating Brees another time or two for a few accolades doesn’t hurt.
March 25th, 2020 at 10:50 am
I don’t always like Joe but when I do I love him. This is perfect, using Bradshaw to piss off tom Brady. The guy loves to push himself and everyone else and just got some rocket fuel in case things were getting too nicey nice.
I think Bradshaw is full of it, but who cares about that. I will take Brady in that dogfight.
March 25th, 2020 at 10:53 am
Brady definitely has a chip on his shoulder. And all the better if he feels that he has something to prove. Go out there and prove to everyone that you were just as responsible as Bellicheat for those wins
March 25th, 2020 at 11:12 am
dont forget favre
March 25th, 2020 at 11:20 am
I actually think Bradhshaw may be right for a change. The equivalent in the NFL of the chicken and egg is Belicheck and Brady. Who needs who more? I have to believe that in making his decision, Brady considered how a Superbowl championship with Tampa Bay would cement his legacy of GOAT. And, the Bucs have the offensive weapons for him to thrive. If the defense can continue with their upward trajectory and he can stay healthy, he just may be able to do it. In the mean time, Belicheck is going to have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to maintain New England’s perennial playoff appearances.
March 25th, 2020 at 11:51 am
My two favorite QBs as a child were Doug Williams and Terry Bradshaw, hands down, no doubt. I even love Bradshaw’s shtick these days, I admire how he’s getting paid to just sort of act like himself and speak his mind (a la Michael Irvin) and show whatever passion and bias he wants.
That being the case, I am also THRILLED that he is throwing shade at Brady and criticizing him and generating some negativity about this move. I want that to get under our quarterback’s skin and give him yet another reason to be motivated and sharp for the next two years!
Thank you, Terry Bradshaw, you just scored again!!
March 25th, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Brad Johnson won here at the end of his career. Brett Farve came very close at the end of his with a new team. Peyton Manning did it with way diminished arm strength. No reason Brady cant do it here. I like Terry, but he is all wet on this opinion.
March 25th, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Terry is a walking, talking public service announcement for the dangers of obesity and head trauma. He can barely read the teleprompter and is largely retained on TV for comic relief. Its ok to ignore him when he tries to put a few cogent thoughts together… HIS EGO makes him think he still can (assuming he ever could).
March 25th, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Terry was known as a cement head in his day. To his credit…he swallowed his ego and used that “country bumpkin” persona to vault into TV and movies.
One cannot compare Bradshaw’s four rings to Brady’s six.
Not only because it’s two less but because Brady did his in the era of FA.
And so for a short period Brady did have Randy Moss…and of course he also had Gronk. Aside from that he’s made due with a variety of “big” names like Welker..Edelman….Lewis and others out of the backfield.
Bradshaw OTOH threw to a couple of HOFers in Lynn Swann and John Stallworth for virtually his entire career. Those great Steeler teams would never have been together for 4 SB’s in today cap world. OH and at TE Bradshaw had Bennie Cunningham the prototype for today TE’s…6-5 250 with great hands.
Everybody has an ego. Some are driven by it. I think Brady is just CONSUMED with competitiveness. I honestly do not enjoy hanging around these kind of guys but I love cheering for them,
Had a friend once in South Carolina who was an excellent college tennis and basketball player at The Citadel. One year he played in the SC state tennis tourney and lost in the finals. He was depressed and hard to talk to for a couple of weeks. Some people were just born to compete. It’s as simple as that as the man once said.
March 25th, 2020 at 3:25 pm
I’ will salute this team for a NFC championship appearance!!! Playoffs, playoffs???? We talking bout playoffs?!!! Shoooooot!
March 25th, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Bradshaw makes more money now than he ever did as a player. Team loyalty was important in his era. That’s his point of view. Team loyalty is obsolete in the league today, as is a team’s loyalty to a player. Respect is a thing of the past. It’s just business.
March 25th, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Meanwhile, the turnover machine is still unemployed. Yep, he be ballin. Check yo sheet Joe! Hahahahaha!!!
#TomTerrific
March 25th, 2020 at 8:14 pm
I heard today on first thing first . It was a guy on their who said that Jamies was all in on the no risky no biscuit keep slanging it and Jamies did and it was a result of him throwing 30 interceptions and no body is holding Bruce Arians accountable for it . And now he’s saying we need a running game and they are going to change the playbook for Brady . He was the only person in the national media to bring that up . Him and a another guy on ESPN who’s always on one of the shows and now he haven’t been back every since . Bruce Arians is trying to win without having to really coach . Terry Bradshaw is right this is a bad move . And it’s SuperBowl or bust …. he’s 43 years old that’s why I say that and Bruce will be gone after Brady . And it’s going to be back to the basement for us …
March 26th, 2020 at 12:09 am
Oneilbucs..You are spot on. I could add even more but I won’t. we had better have a good backup. thats all I’m saying. Brady should have just walked off into the sunset as the greatest. He did not and will not. This brady thing is not about Buc fans winning. Its about Arians and Licht last hurrah. Trying to win one now.it could happen. But I’m not seeing it. brady will go down at some point. He might not even last 2 yrs. Well, at least he’s got guaranteed money out of us. I wish us Good Luck. We will need it and more.