Tom Brady got the best of the New England Patriots the one time he faced him during his legendary NFL career, but it does not sound like the seven-time Super Bowl champion was completely satisfied with the win.
During the NFL on FOX pregame show Sunday, Brady discussed whether Aaron Rodgers should have added motivation when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Brady said players get “emotional” anytime they face their former team. He also admitted that he wanted to absolutely demolish the Patriots when he faced them as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady joked that he doesn’t want Patriots owner Robert Kraft to know he felt that way.
“It is emotional when you play that team that you (used to play for). You have so many fond memories going against them. If I’m A-Rod, I want to crush the Packers,” Brady said. “I want to make that really clear. Don’t tell this to Mr. Kraft, but I wanted to beat the Patriots by 100 when I was with the Bucs and we played them. Unfortunately, we squeaked away with a win, but that was the attitude you have to take.”
“Don’t tell this to Mr. Kraft, but I wanted to beat the Patriots by 100 when I was at the Bucs and we played them.” 😂
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 26, 2025
With Aaron Rodgers facing the Packers tonight, @TomBrady reveals his emotions playing against his former team ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ot7Spjc1ZC
Brady returned to New England to face the Patriots as a member of the Bucs on Oct. 3, 2021. Tampa Bay won the game 19-17. Brady had a modest performance, completing 22-of-43 passes for 269 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
It is hardly a surprise that Brady wanted to crush his former team. For starters, he is one of the most competitive athletes in history. He put together a Hall of Fame career by finding sources of motivation and using them to his advantage. There was also tension between him and the Patriots before he left in free agency.
Rodgers had a somewhat surprising stance when asked about facing the Packers, but it is safe to assume he agrees with Brady deep down.
