The NFL world is buzzing once again as former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick reignited his long-standing feud with Tom Brady in a fiery social media post. Fitzpatrick, who has built a successful post-playing career as a popular NFL commentator, couldn’t resist taking another swing at the seven-time Super Bowl champion, whom he claims disrespected him throughout their many clashes in the AFC East. While Fitzpatrick’s bitterness towards Brady is nothing new, this latest jab has left fans and analysts wondering: is Fitzpatrick fighting a battle only he cares about, and is his criticism of Brady hurting his credibility in the process?

The Origins of the Brady-Fitzpatrick Rivalry

Ryan Fitzpatrick, known for his charismatic personality and rollercoaster career as a journeyman quarterback, often found himself facing Tom Brady when the two played in the AFC East. Fitzpatrick suited up for the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins over the years, making him one of the few quarterbacks who had a front-row seat to Brady’s dominance in the division with the New England Patriots. These matchups formed the basis of what can only be described as an unspoken rivalry—a rivalry more keenly felt by Fitzpatrick than by Brady, or so it seems.

While Brady was busy winning division titles, MVP awards, and Super Bowl rings, Fitzpatrick was fighting to stay relevant, bouncing from team to team, and earning his reputation as a scrappy, unpredictable player who could catch fire at any moment. This backdrop of contrasting careers fuelled Fitzpatrick’s growing resentment towards Brady, whom he has accused on several occasions of not respecting him. Whether Brady harboured any ill will towards Fitzpatrick remains unclear, as Brady has largely remained silent on the topic, adding to Fitzpatrick’s frustration.

Fitzpatrick’s Latest Attack: What Did He Say?

In a social media post following Week 7 of the current NFL season, Fitzpatrick once again aimed at Tom Brady, making it clear that their past encounters on the field still weigh heavily on his mind. Fitzpatrick’s post hinted at lingering bitterness over what he perceived as Brady’s consistent disrespect during their AFC East showdowns.

“Tom Brady never gave me the respect I deserved, and that’s something I’ll never forget,” Fitzpatrick wrote, tagging the post with an image of Brady and a reference to his new role as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports. Fitzpatrick’s insinuation was clear: Brady, now making waves in the broadcasting booth with his $375 million Fox contract, still wasn’t worthy of the pedestal he’s been placed on, at least not in Fitzpatrick’s eyes.

Fitzpatrick has long maintained that Brady never shook his hand after games or acknowledged him as a worthy opponent, leading him to believe that the legendary quarterback looked down on him throughout their careers. In his post-playing days, Fitzpatrick has used his platform to continually point out what he feels was a snub by Brady, and this latest remark was no different.

The $375 Million Elephant in the Room: Brady’s Media Empire

Fitzpatrick’s critique of Brady comes at a time when the latter is transitioning from his playing career to a lucrative media deal with Fox Sports, reportedly worth a staggering $375 million. Brady’s transition to television was met with mixed reactions, but given his status as the greatest quarterback of all time, many expect him to find success in the broadcast booth, just as he did on the field.

For Fitzpatrick, this astronomical contract only serves to highlight the disparity between himself and Brady—not just as players, but now as broadcasters. Fitzpatrick has earned respect as an engaging and insightful analyst, beloved for his candid takes and relatable presence. But no matter how much Fitzpatrick achieves in broadcasting, Brady’s massive contract looms large, making it clear that the NFL’s biggest star will continue to dominate headlines, even in retirement.

Fitzpatrick’s post took a thinly veiled swipe at this, hinting that Brady’s broadcasting career might be more about his fame than his actual skills as a commentator. “Is he worth that much? I don’t know,” Fitzpatrick seemed to imply, stirring up questions about whether Brady’s transition into broadcasting is driven more by his celebrity than his expertise in front of the camera.

Fitzpatrick vs. Brady: A Battle of Perception

Fitzpatrick’s grievances with Brady tap into something deeper than just a personal grudge. For many NFL fans, Fitzpatrick represents the everyman—a quarterback who fought for every opportunity and made the most of a journeyman career that spanned nearly two decades. He’s relatable, humble, and has an undeniable charm. His famous beard, Harvard-educated brain, and “FitzMagic” moments—where he’d unexpectedly light up defences with brilliant performances—endear him to fans across the league. In contrast, Brady is viewed as the golden boy of football: privileged, polished, and seemingly untouchable.

This dichotomy fuels Fitzpatrick’s resentment, as he likely feels overshadowed by a player who, in his view, never acknowledged him as a peer. But as Fitzpatrick continues to attack Brady in public, it raises the question: Is Fitzpatrick playing the role of the jilted underdog for too long?

There’s a fine line between standing up for yourself and becoming overly fixated on an opponent who has long since moved on. Brady, for all his accomplishments, has remained largely silent on the matter, seemingly unfazed by Fitzpatrick’s jabs. To some, this makes Brady appear aloof or dismissive, but to others, it portrays him as a figure who’s above the drama—focused on his career, both on and off the field.

The Risk for Fitzpatrick: Is He Losing the Plot?

While Fitzpatrick has every right to feel disrespected if Brady snubbed him in their playing days, the continuation of this one-sided feud may be damaging to Fitzpatrick’s own reputation. By constantly attacking Brady, Fitzpatrick risks coming across as bitter and obsessed, detracting from his success as a player and commentator.

Fitzpatrick’s post-NFL career has been largely positive so far. His transition into broadcasting with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football has been well-received, and he’s become a fan favourite for his honesty, humour, and football knowledge. However, his continued fixation on Brady could backfire. Instead of being seen as a fun-loving, intelligent voice in football media, he risks being remembered as the guy who couldn’t let go of an old grudge.

Fitzpatrick’s gripes about Brady might also fall flat when compared to the massive success Brady has achieved. Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings, three MVP awards, and nearly universal recognition as the greatest quarterback of all time make him an incredibly difficult target. For many fans, Fitzpatrick’s complaints pale in comparison to the undeniable greatness of Brady’s career. As a result, Fitzpatrick’s digs at Brady, whether justified or not, can come off as sour grapes—an attempt to pull down a man whose legacy towers over the league.

Tom Brady: Unbothered by the Noise?

As for Tom Brady, his lack of response to Fitzpatrick’s latest post speaks volumes. Brady’s media presence has become carefully curated, and he has shown little interest in engaging in public feuds, especially in his post-playing days. While it’s true that Brady has a reputation for being fiercely competitive and sometimes unyielding, he has also worked hard to maintain a polished public image—one that steers clear of unnecessary drama.

Brady’s silence on the matter might be part of a larger strategy: ignoring Fitzpatrick’s attacks to avoid giving them legitimacy. After all, responding to Fitzpatrick’s claims would only fuel the media circus surrounding the feud, drawing attention away from Brady’s new chapter in broadcasting and business ventures.

Instead, Brady is likely content to let his accomplishments speak for themselves. With a career that includes more Super Bowl victories than any other player in NFL history, Brady is undoubtedly secure in his legacy. For him, the opinions of a former division rival—one whom he routinely bested on the field—probably don’t carry much weight.

A Feud With No Clear Winner

In the end, the Fitzpatrick-Brady saga is a reflection of two very different careers. Fitzpatrick, the underdog who fought for every opportunity, clearly still feels the sting of not being respected by one of the NFL’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Brady’s dominance in the league and his current role as a megastar commentator make him an untouchable figure in the football world.

Fitzpatrick’s jabs at Brady may resonate with those who see him as a relatable underdog, but there’s a danger that his continued fixation could undermine the success he’s built in his post-playing career. For Brady, the best course of action might be exactly what he’s doing: staying silent and letting his legacy do the talking.

As the NFL season progresses, it’s likely this feud will continue to simmer beneath the surface. But for now, it seems Fitzpatrick is fighting a battle that, for Brady, has already been won.