Tom Brady has faced his fair share of headlines over the years, but his recent comment during Fox Sports’ broadcast of Sunday’s Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears game sparked a different kind of controversy, this time with animal rights advocates.
The NFL legend, a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, was criticized for using a phrase that many found troubling.
What Did Tom Brady Say During the Broadcast and How Did PETA Respond?
During the broadcast, Brady was reacting to wide receiver George Pickens’ frustrated helmet slam after dropping a pass. He said, “Yea, Those helmets can be… it’s like the dog at home. Kick the dog, throw the helmet, whatever it takes.”
TOM BRADY AFTER GEORGE PICKENS THREW HIS HELMET.
“YEH, THOSE HELMETS CAN BE… IT’S LIKE THE DOG AT HOME”
😭😭😭
pic.twitter.com/n3xyaSTnLF— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 22, 2025
While Brady likely meant it as a way to describe venting frustration, the comment didn’t sit well with viewers and drew immediate criticism online for appearing to make light of animal abuse.
PETA quickly responded, reminding everyone that public figures have influence and that words matter. “PETA encourages Brady to remember that millions of people listen to him,” the organization said. “The language we use can encourage kindness or violence towards animals, and that we should never normalize taking our frustration out on a beloved companion.”
They even suggested some alternatives for broadcasters to use in the future, like changing “kill two birds with one stone” to “feed two birds with one scone.”
What’s the Recent History Between PETA and Brady?
While this is the most recent incident, Brady and PETA actually have a bit of history. In 2020, PETA asked him to stop wearing Canada Goose jackets made with real fur and feathers, a request supported by his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen’s anti-fur stance.
However, the relationship hasn’t been hostile overall; PETA has praised Brady for his plant-based diet and even named a rescued goat after him in recognition of his support for animal welfare.
Still, the recent comment shows how quickly things can spiral. Social media users voiced concern not just about the remark itself but also about the message it might send to fans about treating animals kindly. So far, neither Brady nor Fox Sports has addressed the controversy.
As Brady continues to transition from football to broadcasting, it serves as a reminder that even a seemingly insignificant comment can have a significant impact. Regarding animals, PETA’s message is unmistakable: One must be careful not to normalize violence, even in metaphor, and words do matter. Whether this will have a lasting effect on Brady’s public image or fade away quickly remains to be seen, but it’s clear that his words are being watched closely.
