In a fiery and unexpected segment aired on FOX Sports this week, NFL legend Tom Brady made headlines with a strong critique of the 2024–2025 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Brady, now a prominent voice in NFL broadcasting, did not mince words when he labeled the Eagles as “the most unconvincing Super Bowl winners in recent memory.” His pointed remarks, especially aimed at the controversial "Tush Push" play, have reignited debate across the football world.
The “Tush Push” — also known as the quarterback sneak push — has been a signature part of the Eagles' offense for the past two seasons. It involves pushing the quarterback from behind on short-yardage downs, a tactic that Philadelphia has turned into a near-unstoppable force. Though legal under current NFL rules, the play has faced growing criticism from players, analysts, and now even legends of the game.
During Sunday’s FOX NFL broadcast, Brady expressed his disapproval with sharp clarity. “Look, I respect winning — I’ve lived that life. But this Eagles team? They didn’t dominate. They didn’t innovate. They leaned on one ugly, brute-force play that, frankly, I don’t think deserves respect,” he said. “Championships should be earned with execution, creativity, and heart — not by repeatedly shoving your quarterback over the line.”
Brady's comments have been met with mixed reactions. Some analysts agreed that the Eagles' overreliance on the "Tush Push" created an unbalanced game dynamic, diminishing the elegance and unpredictability that often define championship football. Others, however, view the critique as overly harsh and dismissive of the Eagles' strategic excellence.
NFL analyst and former coach Rex Ryan responded on ESPN, saying, “It’s football. If the league allows it and you can’t stop it, that’s called smart coaching — not ugly football. If Tom wanted it outlawed, he had 20 years to advocate for rule changes.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, when asked to comment during a post-practice press conference, stayed composed but firm. “We respect Tom Brady and everything he’s done for the game. But our job isn’t to impress the media or ex-players. It’s to win. And we did — all the way to the Lombardi Trophy,” Sirianni said.
Several Eagles players took to social media to fire back at Brady's comments. Star center Jason Kelce tweeted, “We play hard-nosed, physical football. If you don’t like it, try stopping it. Until then, scoreboard.” Quarterback Jalen Hurts, often at the center of the controversial play, remained diplomatic, stating in an interview, “We’re focused on our locker room, our fans, and continuing to get better. People are entitled to opinions. Championships, however, speak for themselves.”
Meanwhile, the league office has been quiet on whether Brady’s public stance could influence future rule considerations. The “Tush Push” has already been a subject of scrutiny in past competition committee meetings, but no ban or restrictions have been implemented — yet.
Tom Brady’s broadcasting career has been marked by sharp insights and candid takes, but this latest statement may be his most polarizing to date. Whether his words spark legitimate reform or remain part of the noise surrounding a divisive play remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in today’s NFL, even retired legends can still shape the conversation.
As the debate continues, the Eagles will carry on — champions in the record books, critics in their rearview mirror.