Despite retiring from the NFL, Tom Brady often grabs headlines during meets and greets with the bigwigs. Whether it be Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, or LeBron James, the football legend knows them all. However, one of his underrated bonds is with the Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who’s been facing scrutiny for his Olympic performance and not having a dominating on-court personality. The former Buccaneer went against popular belief and gave the reigning Gold medallist his flowers. What exactly happened?

The 26-year-old rose to the occasion after winning the NBA Championship and was expected to have a blast in the Paris Olympics. However, it went south of what everyone speculated. It was a packed roster with NBA All-Stars. So it became increasingly evident the Celt might not get to see too much game time. However, many did not expect it to extend to the limit of DNPs.

JT clearly seemed pissed off with the situation. However, he could not do anything since it was a team-centric play, and he had to contribute in his way. Despite all of the clarifications he has given, the media has not loosened their grip around his neck. However, this time, Jayson Tatum‘s dear friend and NFL legend, Tom Brady, saved the day with his remark.

Recently, Jayson Tatum got candid with The Athletic about his snub from the Olympic team. However, there was a feeling of disappointment in himself that was reflected in his statement. “I know I didn’t make a jump shot when I was with Team USA…You never exactly know when you’re gonna get the ball. But that’s part of it.”

Uplifting his friend’s spirit, Tom Brady commented, “A true professional! A true champion! And a great teammate! We should celebrate people who care more about the team success than the individual success!”

Tweaking the negative perspective around Jayson Tatum’s snub from Team USA, Tom Brady added, “There are so many people involved in every organization who don’t always play a “ starting” role but play a huge role in the success of the team.”

Ultimately, the Patriots legend ended the note with a message for the Celt, saying, “I have more respect for Jayson Tatum now more than ever! 💯 now this is what we should be teaching our kids!”

Did you know that Tom Brady had so much love and admiration for his old friend? Yes! An old friend… Tom Brady and Jayson Tatum have been acquaintances, which then turned into friendship a long time ago. Need proof? Well, we got you covered! Here are three more instances when the duo supported each other or were spotted together.

Jayson Tatum admits knowing Tom Brady, calling him “a really, really great guy”

“I know him pretty well. I met him when he was still with the Patriots,” Tatum said about his NFL pal in 2023. “Tom is the best. He has every reason to be arrogant and all those things, but he is truly down to earth. He texts me from time to time. He watches the games. He’s just a really, really great guy, and to be the best football player of all time, it says a lot about him,” Tatum added to his friend’s praise. The statement from Tatum came after a day he united with Tom Brady and Yankees icon Aaron Judge in New York.

The elite athletes had gotten together at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on October 24, 2023, for a Make-a-Wish event. The trio spent time, played, and trained alongside 9 children who were facing challenges in their lives.

A friendly visit from Tom Brady to the team hailing from the land of his family’s roots!

On August 6, 2024, Tom Brady visited the Team USA camp at the Paris Olympics. As expected, the football legend did not miss the chance to meet his NBA Champion friend. However, it was not just Jayson Tatum; he also met Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. We all know for whom Brady was there! Well, moving on, the legend posted a pic on his X account with the Celts, captioned, “Town (2010).”

The ‘Town’ Brady was implying here was Boston, where his ancestors settled after the famine in the 19th century, and since his paternal lineage made it their new home, Tom Brady has an emotional connection to Boston and its NBA representation. No wonder the 3 NFL MVP has so much love and admiration for Jayson Tatum and his fellow teammates, too.

Nothing better than the friendly company of Jayson Tatum and Tom Brady at a lavish party!

On Independence Day, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin organized his annual White Party in Hampton. It was a star-struck evening with celebrities from every domain, like James Harden, Kevin Hart, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner, Jay Z, and Jayson Tatum, among others. It seems the mutual friendship of Brady and Tatum is not only limited to praise and admiration of each other’s work, and they’re even spotted hanging out together at social events.

The Celt was part of the party picture that Tom Brady posted on Instagram, alongside Kylian Mbappe, Raven Odell Beckham Jr., and DJ Khaled. Now we know that the next time Tom Brady and Jayson Tatum get together, it will be a new page to their friendship diaries.

Speaking of close friendships, which cross-sport bond is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger