NFL news: Tom Brady apologizes for controversial military comments after backlash from fans

After comparing playing in the National Football League to serving in the military, Tampa Bay Buccaneers superstar Tom Brady has issued an apology for using “really bad choice of words.”

“Earlier this week, I made a statement about playing football and the military and it was a very poor choice of words,” Brady told reporters during a regularly scheduled press conference on Thursday. 

“And I just want to express that to whatever sentiments that are out there, that somebody may have taken it in a certain manner, so I apologize for that,” he said.

“In the end, we play a game, and the military is defending our country; these are two very different things, and I shouldn’t have drawn the comparison. I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for everyone who served.”

On Monday, Brady discussed the military with co-host Jim Gray and NBA player Kevin Durant on his “Let’s Go!” podcast. The topic of discussion was the mentality that is required of top athletes. Brady’s statements about the military were made during this conversation.

In response to a question on how he manages to strike a healthy balance between his professional and personal life, the player who has won seven Super Bowls remarked, “I practically look at a football season like I’m going away on deployment for the military.” And at that point, you think, “Man, here I go again.”

During the previous season, Brady stated that he would retire from football, but he came back to the game soon after. 

During the news conference, Brady was also questioned about his performance as well as the performance of his team in light of the difficult beginning to the season experienced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers dropped to a record of 3-3 on the season after suffering a setback to the Steelers by a score of 20-18 on Sunday.

Concerns have been expressed over the quarterback’s long-term dedication to playing the game as a result of the rough start, as well as Brady’s offseason retirement, rumored marital problems, and an 11-day leave of absence during preseason training camp “to deal with personal concerns.”

In response to a question regarding the conclusion of the NFL season, Tom Brady said, “That’s actually why I’m here — I’m here to announce finally, you guys drove me to the brink.”

“No, I don’t believe that’s it for me at all,” he added, taking a more serious tone. I think a lot of it is simply us going out there too, you know…I love the sport, and I love the teammates, and I want to go do a great job for this team like I always have, so there is no retiring in my future,” he said. “I want to go do a fantastic job for this team like I always have.”

 

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