Charles Barkley Admits Liking Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky More Than “Best Friend” Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods for a “Never Been Spoken” Reason

Tom Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time. This distinction has allowed him to be in the same category as Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods, and other GOATs of their respective sports. They have wowed fans throughout their careers, and their accomplishments are second to none. However, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley revealed that there was one difference between them.

Barkley is known for his honest and sometimes polarizing opinions. Nonetheless, he has a valid case, as he has met all the above names. During a recent ‘Dan Patrick Show appearance,’ Barkley mentioned that Tom Brady is one of the nicest guys he has ever met. Being nice sometimes doesn’t go along with being the best. However, Brady is a prime example of how even the greatest can be nice. Moreover, he’s not the only GOAT Barkley considers to be nice.

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods aren’t nice guys?

After Patrick mentioned that athletes can turn their switches on and off, Barkley revealed the only two GOATs he’s met who leave their competitive spirit on the field. “I’ve only met two GOATs who are like that. That’s Tom and Wayne Gretzky,” Barkley said. He continued, “I love Michael and Tiger but nobody’s ever said, ‘oh man they’re really nice guys.'”

Barkley has often stated his admiration for Brady and even went as far as to call him his man crush. On the other hand, MJ and Barkley shared a very close bond during their playing days. They were two of the best friends in the league. However, Barkley revealed that they weren’t friends anymore a few months back. They last spoke to each other over 10 years ago. During an appearance on the ‘All The Smoke’ Podcast, he also mentioned the last words MJ said to him.

READ MORE: “That Was My Bestfriend, I Love the Guy and Miss the Guy”: Charles Barkley Finally Offers a White Flag to Michael Jordan

Despite claiming MJ and Woods to be the greatest in their respective fields, Barkley said they weren’t nice like Brady and Gretzky. He continued, “They said that Michael Jordan is the greatest player ever. They said that Tiger Woods the greatest golfer ever but words that never been said, ‘oh man they’re some nice guys.‘”

MJ and Tiger did things differently

“Tom and Wayne are the two GOATs that I’m like, ‘oh yo man those dudes are really nice guys,‘” Barkley said. He continued, “Michael and Tiger, they just did it differently. They’re both too, in my opinion, they’re the two GOATs of their sports but I ain’t never heard somebody say, ‘man, that Michael and Tiger are nice guys.’ Those are words never been spoken.”

While all four of them are arguably the greatest in their sports, they have different personalities. Jordan and Woods carry their competitive on-court nature into their everyday lives. However, Brady and Gretzky turn that switch off as soon as the game is done.

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It is a fascinating point brought up by Barkley as this shows the differences between greats. While they have achieved everything possible in their careers, they followed their own paths toward greatness.