Tom Brady wasn’t always the social media-savvy icon fans know today. In fact, during his time with the New England Patriots, the legendary quarterback reportedly couldn’t stand Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson’s love for Twitter.
Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski recently spilled the beans on this unexpected revelation during an appearance on the “Dudes On Dudes” podcast. Alongside former teammate Julian Edelman, Gronkowski recounted how Brady, who now dominates Instagram with over 18 million followers, was once a vocal critic of Johnson’s social media activity.
“Tom absolutely hated that Chad was on Twitter,” Gronkowski revealed. “He and [Bill] Belichick were constantly on him, saying, ‘Get off Twitter. It’s not going to help you on the field.’ But honestly, it never really impacted Chad’s game like they thought it would.”
Johnson, who joined the Patriots in 2011 after a successful run with the Bengals, had a reputation for being larger than life online. His unapologetic use of Twitter stood in stark contrast to the Patriots’ rigid, team-first culture. Edelman chimed in, saying, “We just did things differently in New England.” Gronkowski added, “And Chad didn’t really fit into that.”
Despite Brady and Belichick’s disapproval, Johnson’s love for social media persisted long after his brief stint in New England, which ended in 2012. After leaving the Patriots, he signed with the Dolphins, only to be released following legal troubles. Johnson later played in international leagues before transitioning to broadcasting, where he continues to entertain millions online.
Fast forward to today, and the dynamic has completely shifted. Brady, once critical of social media, is now one of its biggest stars. The former quarterback frequently shares updates about his career and personal life on Instagram. His account even welcomed his former coach, Bill Belichick, to the platform in 2024.
Brady took a jab at Belichick when he joined Instagram
In a playful video marking Belichick‘s Instagram debut, Brady joked, “Alright, guys. Party’s over, Bill’s here. It was a good run, but we gotta shut it. Welcome, coach.”
The 72-year-old coach, now gearing up for his new role as UNC‘s football head coach, has been surprisingly active online, amassing 445,000 followers and sharing glimpses into his personal life – including a photo with his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.
Gronkowski couldn’t help but poke fun at the irony of Brady’s transformation, saying, “The point is, Tom’s now Mr. Instagram or Mr. X. It’s funny how things change.”
From grilling Ochocinco over tweets to becoming a social media icon himself, Brady’s journey is a reminder that even the most disciplined athletes can evolve – and maybe even embrace what they once criticized.