In 2023, it’s hard to imagine a time when Tom Brady wasn’t one of the most beloved and respected quarterbacks in NFL history. But just a few years ago, as he was still playing for the New England Patriots, Brady was the target of countless mean memes and jokes on social media.
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The Birth of the Mean Tom Brady Meme
The first mean Tom Brady meme appeared in 2015, after the Patriots were accused of deflating footballs during the AFC Championship Game. As the NFL investigated the allegations, Brady was suspended for four games, and the internet had a field day.
Some of the memes were relatively innocent, poking fun at Brady’s good looks or his tendency to wear skinny jeans. But others were more vicious, mocking his alleged involvement in the deflategate scandal and even his personal life.
The Memes Go Viral
Despite the fact that many of the mean Tom Brady memes were in poor taste, they quickly went viral on social media. Fans of other teams got in on the fun, creating their own memes and sharing them with their friends.
Brady himself was aware of the memes, but he tried not to let them bother him. In interviews, he shrugged off the criticism and said that he was focused on winning games.
The Backlash Against the Mean Tom Brady Meme
As the mean Tom Brady memes continued to spread, many people began to speak out against them. Some argued that they were mean-spirited and unnecessary, while others pointed out that they were based on unproven allegations.
Several prominent NFL players and coaches also spoke out against the memes, calling for an end to the harassment of Brady and his family. Even some fans of rival teams began to feel uncomfortable with the level of vitriol directed at the Patriots quarterback.
The End of the Mean Tom Brady Meme
By 2018, the mean Tom Brady meme had largely run its course. The deflategate scandal had been resolved, and Brady had led the Patriots to another Super Bowl victory. Fans of other teams had moved on to new targets, and even those who had participated in the meme craze seemed to have lost interest.
Today, Tom Brady is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He has won seven Super Bowl championships, earned numerous individual awards, and built a reputation as a fierce competitor and leader.
Responses to the Mean Tom Brady Meme
Rob Gronkowski, former Patriots tight end:
“I think the mean Tom Brady memes were just a way for people to blow off steam. We were a really successful team, and I think a lot of people were jealous. But at the end of the day, we knew who we were and what we stood for.”
Bill Belichick, former Patriots head coach:
“I never paid much attention to the memes, to be honest. I knew that Tom was a great quarterback and a great person, and that was all that mattered to me.”
Gisele Bundchen, Brady’s wife:
“It was tough to see Tom being attacked like that, especially when I knew how hard he was working and how much he cared. But we tried to just focus on the positive and not let the negativity get to us.”
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk:
“I think the mean Tom Brady memes were a reflection of the times we were living in. Social media had given everyone a platform, and some people used it to spread hate and negativity. But I also think that the memes helped to make Brady even more popular in some ways. People love an underdog, and he was definitely an underdog for a while there.”
Max Kellerman, ESPN commentator:
“I never participated in the mean Tom Brady meme craze, but I also never understood why people felt the need to attack him like that. He’s an incredible football player and a great person, and he deserved better.”
At the end of the day, the mean Tom Brady meme craze was a dark moment in the history of NFL fandom. But it also served as a reminder of the power of social media and the importance of treating others with respect, both on and off the field.
