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Tom Brady Offers Classic Reason Why He’ll Never Cheer for 49ers

The quarterback explained why he hasn’t returned to being a 49ers fan in retirement.
Tom Brady Offers Classic Reason Why He’ll Never Cheer for 49ers
Tom Brady Offers Classic Reason Why He’ll Never Cheer for 49ers

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Tom Brady’s playing days in the NFL are over, but the 46-year-old is still an avid fan of the league.

During the latest episode of his “Let’s Go!” podcast, Brady was asked if he is a 49ers fan again in retirement, as he supported the franchise while growing up in a San Mateo, Calif.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion had a blunt response to the question, making it clear that he was certainly not a San Francisco fan.

“They passed me up six times in [the 2000 NFL draft], so f––- them and that whole staff that kept me out,” Brady jokingly said to co-host Jim Gray. “I had a chip on my shoulder for a long time.

“I root for a lot of players and whatever team they’re on. I root for Christian [McCaffrey] because I really like him and how he plays ... but not necessarily the colors of the jersey anymore,” he added.

Brady was a sixth-round draft pick in 2000, and 23 years later he still doesn’t seem to have forgiven the 49ers for skipping over him.

McCaffrey, who was a guest on the episode, agreed with the sentiment from Brady. 

“I think everyone gets it, to an extent. Tom says it, which I love. ... That resonates with me 100%,” McCaffrey said. “That’s the best player of all time and he’s still pissed off. That validates all of my emotions.” 

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Karl Rasmussen
KARL RASMUSSEN

Karl Rasmussen is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. A University of Oregon alum who joined SI in February 2023, his work has appeared on 12up and ClutchPoints. Rasmussen is a loyal Tottenham, Jets, Yankees and Ducks fan.