Tom Brady breaks post-Super Bowl silence, sends a message to the Eagles

By Ross Kelly February 9, 2018 at 11:03am

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After losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles despite having one of the best games of his career, you could understand why Tom Brady took a couple of days before making any public comments.

The five-time Super Bowl winner, and now three-time Super Bowl loser, released a lengthy statement on Instagram and Facebook on Friday in which he hit on a number of topics related to the Patriots’ season.

The overwhelming theme of the post was gratitude that Brady had for the recently completed season and game.

Brady thanked his teammates, coaches, the New England organization and its fans. He also thanked his friends and family for their support through what was a rocky season at times.

It has taken me a few days to reflect on our SB loss as well as the great season our team had. There are many emotions when you come up short of your goal. And they are all part of learning and growing in this journey of life. Learning turns everything into a postitive. And the number one feeling I have had the past 4 days is gratitude. Gratitude to my teammates for the incredible effort given all season regardless of the challenges we faced. Gratitude toward my coaches for the effort and sacrifice they make to put us players in the best position to win. Gratitude to the NEP organization for supporting us on our very challenging and difficult journey. Gratitude to the Philadelphia Eagles team and organization for bringing out the best in us and being gracious winners (as well as congratulations on winning the championship) Gratitude toward our fans who showed up every week to cheer us on and commit their time and energy and love and support to what our goals are. And gratitude to my family and friends who continue to love and support my dreams. Thank you all. I love you all. Best, Tom

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Feb 9, 2018 at 6:28am PST

Brady also took time to express his appreciation to the Eagles, who upset the favored Patriots 41-33 on Sunday.

“Gratitude to the Philadelphia Eagles team and organization for bringing out the best in us and being gracious winners (as well as congratulations on winning the championship),” he wrote.

Do you think Tom Brady has handled the loss to the Eagles with class?

Brady’s classy words Friday are a bit different from what he displayed moments after the Super Bowl. Brady did not stop to congratulate Nick Foles after the game.

“I didn’t get to see Tom. I was looking for Tom,” Foles said in his postgame press conference. “It got pretty crazy really fast. He’s one of the greatest of all time. Guy does it right. He has been unbelievable. He was unbelievable tonight. I can’t say enough about him.”

Giants fans were quick to point out that Brady didn’t stop to congratulate Eli Manning either after New York’s two Super Bowl victories over New England.

Brady did congratulate Eagles defensive linemen Fletcher Cox and rookie Derek Barnett, who were on the field with him when the game ended, before running into the locker room.

Friday’s social media post by Brady was the first time he addressed the Super Bowl loss since immediately after the game, but not his first comments since then. Brady commented on Malcolm Butler’s Instagram post in which the cornerback denied any wrongdoing leading up to his Super Bowl benching.

https://twitter.com/mattdolloff/status/960994813180108800

Opinions are somewhat split as to the true meaning of Brady saying, “Love you Malcolm. You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!”

While it is undoubtedly sincere, some took it as Brady choosing sides with Butler over the man who benched him, Bill Belichick. An ESPN article late in the regular season detailed some acrimony between Brady and Belichick, and this could be seen as another sign that the two have a frosty relationship.

Others viewed it as Brady is saying goodbye to a teammate on what can be taken as a farewell address to the Patriots organization. Butler is a free agent, and it’s nearly impossible to see him returning to New England after what happened in the Super Bowl.

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