Tom Brady and Rex Ryan Smack Talk
By author
The war of words between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots began today with Tom Brady’s weekly Monday appearance on WEEI’s Dennis and Callahan Show. It started when Brady was asked about what he thought of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” program featuring the Jets. Brady didn’t hold much back in his response:
“Honestly, I haven’t turned it on. I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show,” the quarterback said. “I’m sure it’s great TV. I’m glad people are liking it. But that’s just something that I have no interest in watching. I’d love to say a lot of mean things, but I’d rather not do that, either.”
Hating the Jets is nothing new to Patriots fans, though a Patriots player, especially a player like Tom Brady, coming out and saying as much is rare. Bill Belichick tries to keep a muzzle on anything that could be considered smack talk or bulletin board material. When I first heard Brady say this, I didn’t think much of it. It’s not like he called out a particular player or insulted the Jets. He just doesn’t like them. That didn’t stop the Jets’ blowhard head coach, Rex Ryan, from responding.
“He already knows that we hate the Patriots… so what’s the difference?” Ryan responded. “My brother’s (former Pats’ LB coach Rob Ryan) got a couple Super Bowl rings. He loves Tom Brady. But I don’t have them, so I don’t like Tom Brady. I respect him, but I don’t like him.”
So now we know (as if we needed to be reminded) that these two teams don’t like each other. Coach Belichick in his appearance on WEEI was asked asked his opinion, and he summed up the whole thing pretty much as you would expect him to do.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the Patriots and Jets don’t have a great affection for each other,” Belichick said. “I don’t think any two teams in any division do. I don’t think that’s a big news break.”
This really isn’t big news, but I’m sure the major media outlets will take it and run with it if they can sneak it into their Brett Favre coverage. It will be interesting to see if players from the Jets add anything to the mix here. One thing I am certain on is that Belichick is putting the kibosh on any Patriots speaking out further on the matter. Week 2 of the regular season (Sept. 19) is looking better and better when the Pats visit the new Meadowlands Stadium to take on the Jets.