Tom Brady has almost made it a unanimous answer for the NFL GOAT position. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Brady became the greatest player the sport had ever seen. Whether it was exceptional highs or devastating lows, Brady went through it all during his career.
One of the more infamous moments of that run came in Super Bowl 52 when he was facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Patriots were upset by Philadelphia, controversy arose after the game as well.
As he sat on commentary for the Eagles’ NFC Championship Game, the moment came up once again, but Brady had some trademark wit to offset the situation.
Tom Brady Turns Nick Foles Jibe Into Witty Comeback
The competition between the two teams was fierce, but with Brady lining up against Nick Foles in Super Bowl 52, most people were siding with New England. But, it didn’t come to fruition.
Despite being without MVP candidate Carson Wentz, Doug Pederson was able to develop an unguardable offense, as the game went to a score of 41-33. It was Foles who became the focus of attention, with 373 yards and three touchdowns to his name.
Simultaneously, he also had a touchdown reception on a trick play, becoming the first QB to pass and receive a touchdown in a Super Bowl. “The Philly Special,” as it later became known as, was the ultimate mind-bender — and Brady remembers it all too well, even today.
Nick Foles turns 36 today, but the Philly Special is timeless. 🦅⁰⁰
(🎥 @NFL, @Eagles) pic.twitter.com/3Cd5trd0pF
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 20, 2025
When the camera panned to Foles in the crowd for the Eagles’ NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, Kevin Burkhardt teased Brady by pretending to not remember who Foles went up against in Super Bowl 52.
On his end, the legend took it in stride, jesting to Foles, “Nick, I don’t hate you. I’m just jealous of you. You caught it, I didn’t.”
.@TomBrady still upset about that Super Bowl against @NickFoles 😂 (via @NFLonFOX)
📺: #WASvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/McNkFUoPaY— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2025
At the time, the conversation around the game was equally between the unexpected brilliance from Foles and the reaction from Brady after the game. As the two teams lined up to exchange handshakes, Brady famously didn’t extend courtesies to Foles.
For a team as scrutinized as the Patriots, especially at the peak of their powers, it became ammunition for detractors. But, it looks like it’s all water under the bridge for Brady, who seems to have gotten over the situation and is even ready to joke about it.
Of course, turning into the nearly undisputed GOAT in your sport certainly helps soothe any burns.