Bradshaw thinks Brady let ‘ego’ get in way of staying with Patriots

Count Terry Bradshaw among those who were stunned when Tom Brady announced he was leaving the New England Patriots after 20 successful seasons. To the legendary quarterback and Fox NFL analyst, only“ego”can explain Brady’s defection to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Why in the world does he want to keep on playing at 43 (which Brady turns in August) other than to prove to New England he’s more important than Bill Belichick?” Bradshaw said in an interview with the Athletic.“Why the hell do you want to go to Tampa? The only thing I can think of is ego gets involved and you decide, ‘I’ll show ’em who’s more important.’ ”

In recent seasons, reports have emerged of tensions between Brady and Belichick, even as the QB and coach teamed up for a Super Bowl title in the 2018 season, the team’s sixth win in nine Super Bowl appearances with the duo.

To Bradshaw, who led the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles during a 14-year career spent entirely with that organization, nothing could justify Brady signing with the Buccaneers. “I’ve never known a great quarterback — a great quarterback — at the end of his career, go to another team and do anything,” Bradshaw told the Athletic.“The offense they ran in New England was perfect for him.”

ESPN suggested that a tense contract negotiation between Brady and Belichick this month pushed the quarterback out. Bradshaw said Brady, a three-time NFL MVP, will have “great players around him offensively in Tampa.” But Bradshaw also said the Bucs “have to protect” Brady because at this point in his career, the quarterback “can’t move.”