Tom Brady might have left the football field, but his name and comments still continue to stir up the world of the NFL. Following his retirement early in this year’s off-season, the seven-time Super Bowl champ has been living it up. He has often openly admitted that after putting an end to eleven years of marriage and a football career of over two decades, he is a stress-free man. The GOAT is all set to return as a sports analyst and commentator for the FOX network in the upcoming 2024 season but he is already unsettling the world of American football with his colorful comments. 

Following Tom Brady’s retirement and the lackluster performance of his former franchises, the legendary quarterback, pointed out what he sees as “a lot of mediocrity in today’s NFL.” Numerous other NFL players and analysts were quick to retaliate. While some vehemently opposed his stance, few utilized it to criticize current ‘elite’ quarterbacks based on their questionable performance throughout the ongoing season. Former NFL quarterback Alex Smith countered Tom Brady’s criticism of today’s NFL, particularly Brady’s view on “a lot of mediocrity.” 

Smith shuns Brady’s “mediocrity”

Tom Brady attributed the apparent decline in the NFL standards to unimpressive coaching, player development, and an overall decrease in game quality. Additionally, Brady expressed concerns about rule changes impacting performance and safety, contributing to a perceived decrease in the overall quality of the product compared to the past. Smith, a member of the “NFL Countdown” panel alongside Randy Moss, Teddy Bruschi, and Rex Ryan, took a shot at Brady’s career, highlighting the perceived lack of competitiveness in the division Brady played in, referring to it as the “most uncompetitive division in NFL history.” Smith questioned the difficulty of securing a playoff spot in such a “cupcake division”, labeling it as “mediocre.” 

Alex Smith believes the game has improved with more parity, exceptional quarterback play, and the presence of top athletes. Smith finds it contradictory for Brady to critique the league, especially since he recently won a Super Bowl in the current NFL era. “He hasn’t been retired that long. He was just playing. He just won a Super Bowl in the current game. Are we discounting that one?” Smith opined.

Jason Whitlock and Steven Kim weaponize Brady’s comment 

While others criticized Brady’s comment some analysts like Jason Whitlock aided by Steven Kim took the opportunity to direct their routine criticism away from their usual target, Deion Sanders, and towards the current ‘elite’ quarterbacks, Chiefs Patrick Mahomes and Eagles’ Jalen Hurts. Both have had a rocky season with neither showcasing their personal best. 

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Following the Monday night game, sports commentator Steven Kim described their play as mediocre. “I watched this Monday night game with two elite quarterbacks, and quite frankly, I was not that entertained. I thought the quarterback play was very mediocre, and these guys were considered elite Hurts and Mahomes,” opined Kim. Despite Hurts’ underwhelming performance, his team at least managed to secure a victory, unlike Mahomes, whose team was faced with defeat. Do you agree with Brady? Or do you find his remarks in poor taste? Let us know in the comments below. 

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