Tom Brady’s stepping in with some QB wisdom as the GOAT weighed in on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. Brady didn’t mince words, stating that he believes quarterbacks need to better protect themselves on the field.
While defenders like Al-Shaair bring the heat, Brady argues that QBs can’t be sitting ducks. His take sparked debate — does Lawrence hold any culpability in better protecting himself after Brady remained relatively unscathed for 20+ seasons?
Tom Brady Stresses QB Responsibility and Fairness in Defensive Play
On “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”, Brady didn’t sugarcoat the situation, calling for QBs to take responsibility for their safety while defending defensive players’ aggressive nature.
“Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt, but it is also the reality of a very physical sport that we play. But, the only way, defensive players have to be aggressive; that’s their nature. I was trying to be aggressive on offense. … The quarterbacks need to take better care of themselves.”
The controversy erupted after Al-Shaair’s hit sent Lawrence to the locker room during the Jaguars’ Week 13 game (sparking debates about QB safety and defensive penalties). Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champ known for mastering pocket protection, was quick to highlight the risks that mobile QBs like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson face.
“I’ve seen Josh Allen running a lot. I see Lamar Jackson run a lot, and it’s a great skill set to have; a lot of times, I wish I had that skill set. And at the same time, when you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger,” he explained.
.@TomBrady discusses late hit on Trevor Lawrence:
"If we don't want these hits to take place, we've got to penalize both the offense and the defense." pic.twitter.com/fnmCJ7oZwj
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) December 3, 2024
Brady’s point digs deeper into NFL culture. While mobile QBs add an electrifying edge to the game, their play style often increases the likelihood of hits. For Brady, who thrived on quick throws and evasive pocket maneuvers, the solution isn’t penalizing defensive players every time a QB gets hit. Instead, he argued, both sides should share accountability.
“Maybe they fine or penalize a quarterback for sliding late. If we don’t want these hits to take place, we’ve got to penalize the offense and the defense rather than just penalize the defensive player for every single play that happens when there’s a hit on a quarterback.”
The conversation also touches on a broader trend — QBs embracing dual-threat styles. While the NFL’s rules increasingly protect QBs, Brady believes there’s a fine line between safety and fairness for defenders. His takeaway? If QBs push limits, they can’t expect defenses to hold back.
Brady’s advice lands as a timely reminder in today’s QB-friendly era that keeping the man under center healthy is part of the game plan. After all, Brady didn’t play 23 seasons without knowing how to dodge danger.
Brady Navigates Broadcasting Challenges Amid Raiders Ownership Role
Brady’s transition from the field to the broadcast booth isn’t all smooth sailing. The NFL legend opened up about balancing his role as Fox’s lead NFL color commentator and co-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. While his $375 million Fox deal grabbed headlines after his retirement, Brady’s ownership stake now adds unique challenges.
Brady isn’t allowed to bad-mouth officials or other teams and is notably excluded from production meetings (a key prep tool for broadcasters). NFL teams reportedly requested his inclusion, but league restrictions shut that down. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, this stems from concerns about insider access given his dual role.
Despite the hurdles, Brady remains optimistic. In a chat on Break 50, he shared, “Being a broadcaster has been amazing. … I get to be involved in the sport I love for the rest of my life.”
For Brady, it’s all about staying in the game and making an impact.