New England Patriots - NESN.com
Tom Brady’s Week 1 assignment put Eli Manning on his mind.
The New England Patriots icon began the 2025 season by broadcasting a Washington Commanders victory over the New York Giants on FOX. Before the game, Brady roasted Manning while discussing Big Blue’s new quarterback situation.
“I really love this QB room,” Brady said on the FOX pre-game show. “I love how they’ve developed it. In fact, I think any Giants quarterback room that doesn’t involve Eli Manning, I like.”
The Giants signed Russell Wilson to start over fellow offseason signing Jameis Winston and first-round pick Jaxson Dart. That depth benefited the Patriots, who added Tommy DeVito after New York cut him in August.
Brady said the Giants are confident in Wilson, who didn’t validate that endorsement when amassing 168 passing yards on 31 attempts in an ugly 21-6 road loss.
“They really believe in Russ,” Brady said. “Not just as a player, what he can do on the field, but really as a leader for the organization that they haven’t really had. Jaxson Dart, I believe he can sit on the sideline, watch a real professional, and Jaxson can grow in that role as well.”
Brady has reason to resent Manning, who thwarted New England’s pursuit of perfection in the 2007 season and led the Giants to another Super Bowl triumph over the Patriots four years later.
The duo has frequently traded playful jabs at each other over the years. Things even turned physical when Manning “attacked” Brady during a WWE-style entrance at New York City’s Fanatics Fest this summer.
Shortly before Brady’s dig, Manning discussed their relationship on the “Pardon My Take” podcast.
“No, I don’t think Tom hates me,” Manning said. “I mean, I love to heckle Tom on social media. I like hiding behind my phone and sending tweets at him. When I see him in person, I’m just like, ‘Oh, hey Tom! You’re the best.’ I never talk trash to him in person because, you know, he can crush you. He’s got seven Super Bowls.”
