Total Pro Sports
Sometimes, Tom Brady doesn’t need to name names for people to start connecting the dots. This week, the seven-time Super Bowl champion sparked a round of NFL speculation after dropping some pointed advice for today’s top quarterbacks. And fans believe one star in particular, Joe Burrow, might be the real target.
Brady joined Joel Klatt’s podcast to talk football, both past and present. He reflected on his own career, touched on Bill Belichick’s new chapter at North Carolina, and shared thoughts on the current generation of QBs. While his praise for their talent came first, what followed had a sharper edge.
“They’ve all shown flashes of amazing things. They’re all great players. All of them can make tremendous plays,” Brady said. “At some point, they need to take the next step and take, in my mind, more ownershipof what they’re doing.”
The comments instantly fueled debate. Cincinnati’s franchise QB just wrapped a season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns but missed the playoffs. That stat line, paired with Brady’s message, had fans drawing a connection.
After that, Brady also added, “What are you doing in the offseason to help your defense?… Are you involved in game planning? I used to do game plans… I don’t give a f*** if the coaches want to come. We’re doing our walkthrough. We’re going to come up with our own signals.”
The reaction came much faster than anyone could have thought.
“In the biggest moments, you can depend on him the most.”@TomBrady says this NFL QB reminds him most of himself because of the habits and work ethic that it takes to win. pic.twitter.com/zJdKRaKIGY
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) August 12, 2025
“Tom Brady taking shots at Joe Burrow,” one fan wrote on social media.
Tom Brady taking shots at Joe Burrow 👀 pic.twitter.com/qe2bqO7jsB
— Chris (@chiefs_outsider) August 12, 2025
Another argued, “I think he’s talking about every elite QB whose team hasn’t won the SB. Brady is 1of1. I still feel like he doesn’t understand that.”
I think he’s talking about every elite QB whose team hasn’t won the SB. Brady is 1of1 I still feel like he doesn’t understand that https://t.co/FTa3riDk19
— tůrtle (@BI4SEDFORBOSTON) August 13, 2025
Others just admired Brady’s mentality. “I personally don’t think he was taking a shot at Burrow but I love what he says here. Winners mentality. Only very few have,” another fan posted.
I personally don't think he was taking a shot at burrow but I love what he says here. Winners mentality. Only very few have. https://t.co/ywhWZTG7hN
— Jeremias (@Jeremias7e) August 13, 2025
It’s worth noting Brady never mentioned Burrow, or anyone, by name. His words could apply to Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, or any elite quarterback who hasn’t yet matched his championship haul.
Still, when Tom Brady talks about leadership, people listen. And when he makes comments like...
