The New England Patriots are preparing for one of the most anticipated matchups in recent NFL history as they face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, a rematch of the iconic Super Bowl XLIX from 2015 that ended with the Patriots’ dramatic victory. Yet, amid the excitement surrounding the game at Levi’s Stadium, a surprising controversy has erupted off the field, centered on the franchise’s greatest legend, Tom Brady.
Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane, a key defensive player and team captain valued at $33 million in his contract, did not hold back during Super Bowl week media sessions when addressing Brady’s recent comments. In an appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray, Brady stated that he does not “have a dog in the fight” for the upcoming Super Bowl. He described the Patriots’ journey under head coach Mike Vrabel as a “new chapter” in New England, expressing gladness that fans have embraced the current regime and the hard work of players like emerging quarterback Drake Maye.
Brady emphasized wanting to see a great game with strong performances, good strategy, and exciting plays, rather than rooting for one side.
For Spillane, those words landed like a betrayal. Speaking to reporters, the linebacker expressed deep disappointment, saying personally that it “makes me sick” to hear Brady claim neutrality. “He is, and he has a dog in the fight,” Spillane asserted, pointing to Brady’s unparalleled history with the organization. The six-time Super Bowl champion with New England spent two decades building the dynasty that defined an era, leading the team to nine AFC championships and earning a statue outside Gillette Stadium. Spillane, in his first season with the Patriots after previous stints elsewhere, highlighted the emotional weight of that legacy.
“At the end of the day, he’s a Patriot,” he added, though he acknowledged Brady’s current role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders might influence his public stance to avoid conflicts of interest.
The reaction from Spillane quickly amplified across Patriots Nation. Fans, already buzzing with Super Bowl fever, flooded social media and forums with outrage. Many expressed shock that the man once revered as the face of the franchise could remain impartial when his former team is on the biggest stage. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright anger, with some longtime supporters labeling Brady’s position as disloyal. Calls for a boycott of Brady’s media appearances, endorsements, and even his broadcasting work gained traction online, as fans argued that true legends stand by their teams no matter the circumstances.
One viral post summed up the sentiment: “The GOAT just turned his back on us when we needed him most.”
Former Patriots players echoed similar frustrations. Veterans like Vince Wilfork and Asante Samuel publicly called out Brady, with Wilfork dismissing the neutrality as “bullcrap” and urging him to pick a side if he truly believed in the team’s chances. The backlash underscored a broader tension in how legacies are perceived after retirement. Brady’s post-playing career has involved broadcasting for FOX, podcasting, and his minority stake in the Raiders, positions that demand a degree of impartiality. Yet for many in New England, those professional obligations pale in comparison to the unbreakable bond forged through championships and shared triumphs.
The controversy arrives at a poignant moment for the Patriots. After a period of struggles following Brady’s departure in 2020, the team has roared back under Vrabel’s leadership. The 2025 season saw them overcome early doubts, dominate the playoffs, and earn a return to the Super Bowl against a familiar foe in the Seahawks. This rematch carries extra weight, evoking memories of the 2015 classic where Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception sealed a 28-24 win for New England.
Now, with a new generation led by Maye and bolstered by defensive stalwarts like Spillane—who has been confident about playing despite an ankle injury from the AFC Championship—the Patriots represent renewal and resilience.
Spillane’s outspoken criticism highlights the raw emotions still tied to Brady’s era. As a player who has experienced loyalty in different uniforms, his words carry weight, reminding fans that allegiance to the shield and the city runs deep. While Brady complimented the current Patriots’ achievements and acknowledged the “exciting time” in New England, his refusal to openly cheer for them stung those who view him as more than a former player—an enduring symbol of what the franchise stands for.
As the game approaches, the focus will shift back to the field, where strategy, execution, and heart will decide the champion. But the off-field drama has added an unexpected layer to Super Bowl LX. Spillane’s frustration, shared by many, reflects the complicated nature of sports legacies: heroes are human, and even the greatest can spark division when expectations clash with reality. For Patriots fans, the hope remains that victory on Sunday will overshadow any lingering bitterness, proving the organization’s strength endures beyond any one individual.
Whether Brady watches from the broadcast booth or privately roots one way or another, the conversation he ignited has reminded everyone of the passion that fuels NFL fandom. In a league built on rivalries and redemption stories, this Super Bowl carries the added weight of unresolved feelings from the past. New England aims to write another chapter of triumph, while the debate over loyalty and legacy will likely linger long after the confetti falls.
