Tom Brady faced significant criticism during the 2014 playoffs with the New England Patriots due to the “Deflategate” scandal, resulting in a four-game suspension. Recently, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce voiced his support for Brady on his New Heights podcast, expressing his belief that deflating footballs shouldn’t have been an issue.
Kelce argued that altering the air pressure in footballs was a matter of strategic intelligence rather than rule-breaking, emphasizing that it shouldn’t have affected the game’s outcome. He further criticized the rule itself, suggesting it penalized ingenuity.
Kelce’s strong stance likely stems from his experience as a player responsible for snapping the ball every play. The controversy surrounding Deflategate originated from complaints by the Indianapolis Colts during the 2014 AFC Championship game, where the Patriots emerged victorious.
Despite a lengthy investigation and legal proceedings, Brady was ultimately suspended for four games at the start of the 2016 NFL season. However, the Patriots still performed well in his absence, showcasing the talents of backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett. The season culminated in a Super Bowl victory for the Patriots, highlighting their resilience.
Brady went on to achieve immense success throughout his career, winning a total of six Super Bowls with the Patriots and adding a seventh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Notably, the Eagles, led by Kelce, defeated the Patriots in the 2018 season Super Bowl, marking a significant moment in Eagles franchise history.
Both Brady and Kelce are expected to be honored in the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport, with Kelce’s unwavering defense of Brady in the Deflategate controversy reflecting his admiration for the quarterback’s achievements.
