Former Bucs QB Tom Brady receives surprise attack from old enemy

Giants legend Eli Manning surprised former Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady at the Fanatics Fest.

Darius Hayes | Jun 23, 2025

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In this story:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have moved forward since former quarterback Tom Brady’s retirement, but the quarterback’s presence is still felt.

Over the weekend, the Buccaneers legend brought back a familiar rivalry in unexpected fashion at Fanatics Fest in New York City.

Tampa Bay fans who’ve grown to appreciate Brady’s off-field charisma got a dose of classic TB12 when he stepped into the role of a WWE Superstar, re-igniting his friendly feud with Eli Manning in front of a roaring crowd.

TRENDING: TOM BRADY RIPPED AN ELI MANNING JERSEY AND ELI THEN JUMPED ON TOM ATTACKING HIM.

😳😳😳

(Via WWE)
pic.twitter.com/uwBZDPy7oj
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 20, 2025

As part of a Fanatics Fest feature where fans could make their own WWE-style entrances, Brady made his way to the stage carrying a championship belt over his shoulder and walking out to Cody Rhodes’ entrance theme — in full heel mode. He was immediately met with a Giants fan in the crowd handing him an Eli Manning jersey. Brady’s response? He ripped it clean in half.

Seconds later, Eli Manning stormed the stage and jumped onto Brady’s back in a playful attempt to “take him down,” mimicking the many real-life battles the two shared on the field during their NFL careers.

While their football rivalry famously saw Manning and the Giants spoil two of Brady’s Super Bowl appearances, the two quarterbacks have embraced their history, often trading good-natured jabs on social media and during public events. This was no different, a staged but hilarious nod to a decade of unforgettable matchups.

Brady's three-year stint in Tampa Bay brought a Lombardi Trophy and a championship mindset that still lingers throughout the locker room. For Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, it was another reminder of the impact Brady continues to have not just on the game but on its culture. Even off the field, Brady still managed to walk away the champ.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook