Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, is still far from a beloved figure in New York. The legendary quarterback met with loud boos when shown on the jumbotron at Madison Square Garden during the New York Knicks' matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite his iconic football career, Brady's presence at the game didn't win him any points with the local crowd.
Knick fans still hold a grudge
While courtside at the Knicks-Nets game on Friday, Brady faced the wrath of Knicks fans who have long held a grudge against him. This hostility likely stems from Brady’s years with the New England Patriots, where he suffered three Super Bowl losses, two of which came at the hands of the New York Giants — including the infamous upset in Super Bowl XLII in 2008. In an interview last February, Brady admitted that he is "not over" those losses, and it appears the New York faithful haven’t forgotten either.
Brady's response
As the crowd booed his appearance on the jumbotron, Brady, ever the professional, responded in characteristic fashion. He signed a football and tossed it into the stands, offering an expensive souvenir to a lucky fan. This gesture was likely an attempt to defuse the tension, though it’s unclear whether it won over the critical crowd.
Match result
Brady’s visit to the game came during a tight contest that saw the Knicks edge the Nets 124-122, securing a victory in the NBA Cup in-season tournament. The win added to the Knicks' growing momentum, as they had previously beaten the 76ers in the tournament. With additional group-stage matchups against the Hornets and Magic still to come, the Knicks are positioning themselves well for a deep Cup run.
The former NFL star, who retired from football in 2023, is now focused on his new career in broadcasting. This weekend, Brady will serve as a color commentator for Fox during the Green Bay Packers' matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, his rookie season in the broadcast booth has already drawn some criticism for his performance, though he has plenty of time to find his stride in his new role.
