Controversial sports commentator Skip Bayless has reignited his long-standing feud with NFL legend Tom Brady, just as the New England Patriots secured their first Super Bowl appearance since the iconic quarterback's departure in 2020.
Patriots' Triumphant Return to the Big Game
The Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against the Seattle Seahawks in football's premier event on February 8th. The game will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, the home ground of the San Francisco 49ers.
This Super Bowl appearance marks a significant milestone for the Patriots franchise, representing their first trip to the championship game since the Brady era concluded. Win or lose, many analysts believe this could be the first of multiple Super Bowl appearances for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, who has remarkably led his team to the championship game in his first full season as the starting signal caller.
Bayless Questions Brady's Legacy Concerns
Bayless, never one to shy away from provocative commentary, took to social media platform X to express his belief that this development would unsettle the seven-time Super Bowl champion. 'I don't think Tom Brady loves this,' Bayless wrote. 'I don't think Brady's going to love it for his legacy that some second-year starter, as he was, flipped the switch right back and got the Patriots right back to the Super Bowl. I think it'll, in Tom's eyes, diminish his legacy a little bit.'
In a supporting video clip, Bayless elaborated on his perspective, downplaying Maye's passing performance in the victory over the Broncos while highlighting his rushing contributions. 'The Patriots won not because of Drake Maye's arm... Drake Maye had 65 yards rushing and they were all the key plays of the game, they came because of Drake Maye's legs,' he stated.
A Complex Mix of Emotions for Brady
Bayless suggested Brady might experience conflicting emotions about the Patriots' success. He speculated that the former quarterback might appreciate seeing head coach Mike Vrabel reach the Super Bowl so swiftly after Bill Belichick's departure, drawing parallels to Brady's own exit from New England.
However, Bayless was unequivocal about Brady's potential support for the new quarterback. 'But I don't think he was rooting for Drake Maye today and I definitely don't think he'll be rooting for him to win the Super Bowl,' he concluded. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, enter the championship game as favourites to defeat the Patriots.
History of Hostility Between Bayless and Brady
This latest salvo continues a pattern of criticism from Bayless directed at Brady, who now serves as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Their feud escalated notably during the 2025 NFL Draft, when Bayless blamed Brady for quarterback Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide down the draft board before eventually being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.
Bayless had insisted Sanders deserved to be the first overall pick and publicly accused Brady of sabotaging the young quarterback's professional aspirations. 'It is now pretty clear Tom Brady - who mentored Shedeur - told the Raiders NOT to take Shedeur. Duly noted,' Bayless declared in April of last year.
The conflict intensified the following month when Brady denied exerting any influence over the Raiders' draft decisions and mocked those who suggested otherwise. Bayless responded defiantly on his show, 'Tom, your nose is going to grow. Tom Brady on Jake Paul's podcast blasted me for saying he obviously told Raiders GM John Spytek not to draft Shedeur. That's my opinion, that's my take and I know I'm right.'
He further defended his position by noting the close relationship between Brady and Raiders General Manager John Spytek, who were former teammates at the University of Michigan. Bayless argued it was inconceivable that Spytek wouldn't consult Brady, now a Raiders owner, about quarterback prospects in the draft.
As the Patriots prepare for their Super Bowl challenge, Bayless's comments ensure that Tom Brady's shadow, and his complex legacy in New England, will remain a prominent subplot to the championship narrative.
