“That’s bad”: FOX NFL Sunday uncovers an awkward holiday detail from Tom Brady’s Patriots past

Tom Brady has spent most of his football life controlling the narrative, but on Sunday, that briefly slipped away in front of a national audience. What began as a light holiday-themed segment on FOX NFL Sunday turned into a playful ambush, as Brady’s former reputation for generosity toward his offensive linemen was reexamined with a sharp sense of humor.

The joke landed because it carried historic precedence. During New England’s perfect regular season run in 2007, Brady famously surprised his linemen with luxury SUVs. For years, the gesture was praised as another sign of his leadership. On Sunday, the reveal changed everything. Andrews and Thompson delivered an epic punchline together that left everyone erupting in laughter, and Brady could only shake his head.

Tom Brady's FOX NFL Sunday moment turns playful ribbing into a talking point

The panel was ranking the best quarterback gifts ever given to offensive linemen, a topic that usually ends with applause and nostalgia. Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson rolled through a top-five list that included eye-catching custom golf carts from Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes.

The mood shifted when Brady’s name came up. Howie Long reacted instantly, blurting out: "Oh my God, Tom, that's bad." Brady fired back with a grin, saying, "Hey, beggars can't be choosers, alright."

The moment worked because it balanced humor with context. Leasing more than a dozen vehicles was still a serious expense, even for a superstar quarterback. The punchline delivered by Andrews and Thompson left everyone in splits, exclaiming, "The catch to all of this is the cars were on a one-year lease." The segment showed how expectations around player gifts have shifted. Recent examples include Brock Purdy using his Toyota partnership to provide SUVs, highlighting a new era of access and sponsorship.

Later in the day, Brady returned to his primary role, calling the Rams’ 41-34 comeback win over the Lions alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

The game was thrilling, and Brady sounded comfortable and engaged. While some viewers still question his fit as FOX’s lead analyst, moments like Sunday’s show a broadcaster finding rhythm through authenticity. Brady may remain divisive, but he is no longer stiff. He is learning to own the joke, even when it is on him.Also read: Tom Brady breaks silence with powerful message as John Cena steps into his final match