Was Tom Brady throwing shade? NFL fans did a double-take when the GOAT himself appeared to take a shot at Daniel Jones after the New York Giants’ QB got the boot. Known for his icy precision on-field, Brady proved his aim is just as sharp off it, delivering a comment that had fans buzzing across social media.
While Brady’s actual words didn’t scream roast, the timing and tone were enough to stir the pot.
Fans React to Tom Brady’s Critique After Giants Released Daniel Jones
NFL fans were taken aback (and some even outraged) when Brady unexpectedly took aim at Jones following the Giants’ decision to part ways with their quarterback. Brady, known for his candid comments, didn’t hold back, saying he would never have requested a release despite the Giants’ heavy financial commitment to Jones.
Fans wasted no time hitting back. “Shut the hell up, Tom,” said one critic.
Shut the hell up Tom
— Edge (@SomethingEra2) November 29, 2024
Others claimed that Brady had an easy ride: “Says the dude who played for a stacked roster with amazing coaches and GMs his whole career,” one fan fired back, referencing Brady’s time with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he had the support of elite talent and coaches.
Says the dude who played for a stacked roster with amazing coaches and GMs his whole career
— America’s Team (@RoadToSix) November 28, 2024
Some responses dug into Brady’s past, calling out moments where the QB wasn’t exactly the picture of sportsmanship.
“It’s easy to say that when you have so many rings. Yet, when he lost to the Eagles, he left early to avoid shaking hands with Nick Foles,” another fan reminded Brady, referencing the Super Bowl 52 loss.
It’s easy to say that when you have so many rings. Yet, when he lost to the Eagles he left early to avoid shaking hands with Nick Foles.
— Jesse Giaco (@therealJocko) November 28, 2024
On the flip side, there were fans who appreciated Brady’s honesty. “This is what we want out of him. It’s excellent. It was honest. Not the safe, standard stuff,” said one supporter, highlighting Brady’s blunt approach.
Others took a more balanced view, understanding that the Giants hadn’t done enough to help Jones succeed.
“That team never helped him. Finally got a receiver for him, but a rookie, let [Saquon Barkley] walk, and without Jones, this team is playing worse. Jones just needs a fresh start,” one fan argued, defending Jones’ decision.
In the end, Brady’s comments sparked a passionate debate, reflecting the tension between loyalty, expectations, and the harsh reality of NFL business decisions.
Brady Reflects on Jones’ Release, Calls for Loyalty
Brady made waves during Thursday’s Thanksgiving game between the Giants and Dallas Cowboys, offering his take on Jones’ release from New York.
“I don’t know how the whole situation went down, but to think that you would ask for a release from a team that committed a lot to you is maybe different than I would have handled that,” Brady said.
He emphasized the importance of earning teammates’ trust, regardless of challenges, referencing his own career.
Jones, after being benched in favor of Tommy DeVito and even being made to play a scout team safety role, requested his release. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, he’s hoping for a fresh start, but his departure didn’t spark immediate results; in Week 12, the Giants were crushed 30-7 by the Buccaneers in their first game with DeVito at the helm.
While Brady’s approach was different, you can’t fault Jones for seeking a way out of a rough situation.
Daniel Jones’ Up-and-Down Tenure With the Giants
Jones flashed some promise as early as his rookie season when he threw for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games. The Giants struggled as a team, going 4-12, and responded by firing then-head coach Pat Shurmur.
But their investment in Jones was seemingly off to a solid start.
The next two seasons — 2020 and 2021 with new head coach Joe Judge — netted poor results. Jones had nearly as many interceptions (17) as touchdown passes (21), and the Giants went 10-13. The organization made yet another head-coaching move, firing Judge and hiring current coach Brian Daboll.
In Daboll’s first season with the Giants (2022), Jones again demonstrated franchise quarterback potential. He threw for a career-best 3,205 yards with 15 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. More importantly, the Giants went 9-7-1 and qualified for the playoffs.
In the team’s Wild Card round game at Minnesota, Jones was the star of the show. He made NFL history by becoming the first player with 300+ passing yards, 2+ touchdown passes, and 70+ rushing yards in a playoff game. New York lost the following week in the Divisional Round, but the organization’s confidence in the young quarterback grew.
In March of the 2023 offseason, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Giants. In Week 5 of the next season, though, he sustained a neck injury that cost him three games. In his first game back from that injury, Jones’ knee buckled as he dropped back for a passing attempt, and it was later determined he had torn his ACL and would miss the remainder of the season.
Jones rehabbed the knee in time to return for the start of the 2024 regular season. But poor performance by Jones and the team as a whole led to his benching and eventual release.