Tom Brady Criticizes NFL Trend of Resting Stars in Preseason

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady criticized the modern NFL trend of resting star players during preseason games, using a clip of his own extensive playing time in a 2010 exhibition to make his point. Brady reposted a video on his Instagram Story showing him playing deep into the third quarter of a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams, writing that he "never wanted to be taken off the field" and that "too many people looking for easy ways out these days."

The video, which circulated on social media on August 15, 2026, shows Brady throwing a 65-yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss with 5:11 remaining in the third quarter of the August 26, 2010 game. Brady continued to play through the first series of the fourth quarter, finishing with a stat line of 18-of-22 passing for 273 yards and three touchdowns, posting a perfect 158.0 passer rating. The Patriots ultimately lost that game 36-35.

Brady's comments highlight a significant shift in NFL philosophy. The league now plays a 17-game regular season with only three preseason games, leading most coaches to severely limit or completely sit their starters during exhibitions to avoid injury. Prominent quarterbacks like Aaron...