Dave Portnoy criticized Tom Brady’s post-retirement image during a recent discussion. The Barstool founder slammed Brady as “cringey,” saying the NFL legend’s image has become “one of the great downfalls of an icon.”
Dave Portnoy didn’t mince words as he criticized Tom Brady’s latest public persona during a recent discussion
During the July 20 episode of Wake Up Barstool, Portnoy called out Brady’s appearance at Fanatics Fest 2026, including his staged confrontation with Logan Paul. He suggested Brady had traded his iconic image for staged influencer rivalries and attention-grabbing appearances, arguing that the NFL legend’s legacy was being “lame-ified,” reports the Blast.
Portnoy said, as per the New York Post, “He’s becoming very lame. These superstars are so above the fray that you don’t want to see them mixed up in all sorts of low-brow TikTok, Flag Football leagues in Saudi Arabia. Everything about him seems cringey to me.”
Portnoy’s co-host, Brandon Walker, also weighed in, comparing Brady’s recent public persona to viral internet personality Haliey Welch. Walker argued that Brady appeared to be chasing attention, saying the legend “shouldn’t have to do things designed for your entertainment.”
Portnoy also took to X, asking Brady to distance himself from Michael Rubin. He wrote, “Can somebody please shake Tom Brady and tell him to get as far away from Michael Rubin as possible and stop lame-ifying his entire legacy.”
His remarks came after Brady, who holds the record for the most Super Bowl victories (seven) by any single player, slapped Paul during a panel on July 17, reports Yahoo Sports. The following day, Brady made a dramatic entrance by emerging from a coffin to The Undertaker’s theme music, and the pair exchanged middle fingers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.
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