Jason Kelce Backs Tom Brady in Patriots Deflategate Scandal: ‘He Outsmarted People’

zach bacharContributor IMay 24, 2024

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On Friday, Jason Kelce revealed that he took Tom Brady’s side during the Deflategate scandal involving the New England Patriots in 2014.

The Philadelphia Eagles legend explained the reasoning behind his stance during the latest edition of the New Heights podcast.

“I don’t even think Tom should have gotten in trouble for deflating footballs,” Kelce said (18:00 mark) “I’m pro deflating footballs. I’ll say it. I’ll say it, I am pro deflating footballs. He outsmarted people. Why the f–k does it matter how much air is in that motherf–ker?”

The six-time All-Pro center took issue with the rule itself, wondering why it was implemented in the first place.

“If you’re throwing it and catching it who the f–k cares? We’re all mad because he had the common sense to f–king take a little air out so that his receivers could catch the f–king thing,” he added. “Why is that against the rules?”

The NFL’s all-time passing leader served a four-game suspension in 2016 after he allegedly played a role in the scandal, as the Patriots were accused of deflating footballs during their lopsided 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Championship game.

It’s an interesting take from Kelce, as he was part of the Eagles team that took down Brady and New England in Super Bowl 52. The 36-year-old announced his retirement on March 4 after spending all 13 years of his career in Philadelphia.

As time has passed, Brady has grown more comfortable talking about Deflategate. He even joked about it during his Netflix roast on May 5.

While many of the Brady’s detractors have used the scandal against him, Kelce appears to be fully supportive of the alleged decision.