Super Bowl week has long been known for producing storylines that extend beyond the game itself, and this year proved no different. One of the most talked-about discussions this year centers on Tom Brady and Drake Maye, and comments made by veteran sports analyst Skip Bayless only threw more fuel onto the fire.

The conversation began when Brady, now a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and lead NFL analyst for Fox, declined to publicly predict the outcome of the Super Bowl LX matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

Brady‘s decision to remain neutral surprised some observers, particularly given his historic ties to the Patriots, where he built one of the most decorated careers in NFL history.

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The lack of a public prediction quickly became a talking point during a segment featuring Bayless as a guest on a show hosted by Stephen A. Smith.

During the discussion, Smith asked Bayless directly about Brady‘s reluctance to pick a winner, prompting a controversial response that ignited further debate among football fans.

When asked by Smith: “Do you have any issue with Tom Brady saying he has no dog in the race?”, Bayless replied: “Yes, I do. I think he is a little jealous of Drake Maye‘s golden boy success.”

The Drake Maye problem

Bayless continued to expand on his position, suggesting that Brady might see Maye‘s rise as something that came unusually fast compared to the legendary quarterback’s own developmental journey.

Maye, the second-year quarterback for the Patriots, has rapidly earned the admiration of the franchise’s fan base following an impressive start to his professional career.

His development during his sophomore season has positioned him as a central figure in New England’s future, drawing attention both locally and nationally.

However, despite Maye‘s promising trajectory, there has been little suggestion that he has replaced Brady in the historical hierarchy of New England legends.

Brady‘s career accomplishments with the franchise remain unmatched. He guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships and later added a seventh title while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Those achievements cement his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, making Bayless‘ claim particularly controversial given Brady‘s unparalleled success.

Brady breaks silence with surprise stance

In response to the growing speculation, Brady later clarified his position, explaining that his current responsibilities and relationships within the league influenced his decision not to choose a side publicly.

Brady emphasized his connection to newly appointed Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who is completing his final duties as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning to his new role.

“As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, we just hired Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to be our next head coach,” Brady said.

“I’ve gotten to know Klint and have great respect and appreciation for the job he does. So if he wins, I would be very happy for him as well. Tough to root against the guy I just hired to be my next head coach!”

Brady also reinforced his enduring loyalty to the Patriots, noting that his emotional ties to the franchise remain strong even as his professional responsibilities expand beyond his playing career.

“At the end of the day, I will be happy regardless,” he added.

Still, Brady‘s words are less convincing when he is also rooting for the other team, and sitting on the fence may not go down well with Patriots fans who once adored him in Foxborough.