“An a**hole”: Chad Jackson reveals what it was really like playing with Tom Brady—and it wasn't all greatness

Tom Brady’s legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time is nearly undisputed, but not everyone who played alongside him walked away with glowing stories. Former New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Jackson recently gave fans an unfiltered peek into life behind the scenes with Brady—and his take is raising eyebrows.

Chad Jackson calls Tom Brady “an a**hole” at times, despite calling him the greatest
Drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Chad Jackson arrived in New England with high hopes. The franchise even traded up to get him, envisioning a long-term connection with Brady. But Jackson’s time with the team was brief, and in a recent episode of Big County Preps, he didn’t hold back when asked to describe the legendary quarterback in one word.


“I don’t know, man... I mean one of the greatest for sure, but at times he could be an a**hole,” Jackson admitted. “Some people knew it, and some people didn’t want to say. But what can you do? It is what it is. Much respect to Tom Brady. You can’t talk about that guy.”

Jackson emphasized that while Brady’s accolades are untouchable, his personality could rub teammates the wrong way—especially those further down the depth chart who didn’t have the same voice in the locker room.

Tom Brady’s perfectionism created tension—but also results
Jackson recalled moments where he wished he could call Brady out—like when a throw missed the mark or a play didn’t make sense. But challenging a figure like Brady wasn’t easy. “It is what it is,” Jackson shrugged. The unspoken hierarchy in the Patriots’ locker room didn’t leave much room for dissent, especially when it came to a seven-time Super Bowl champion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DF-eXDZxTXa/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DF-eXDZxTXa/

This sentiment isn’t isolated to Jackson. Rob Gronkowski, one of Brady’s closest teammates and friends, echoed similar feelings. “He got on my case every single day,” Gronk once said. “He wasn’t afraid to get on your case to elevate your game to the next level.”

Brady’s intense, often abrasive leadership style may not have endeared him to everyone, but it undeniably delivered results. His relentless pursuit of perfection defined a career that spanned over two decades and reshaped NFL history.

Also Read: “Tom Brady is like a scrub”: Tom Brady criticized for ignoring Gisele Bündchen’s dating past with DiCaprio, says Pearl Davis in fiery rant

For some, Brady’s edge was tough to deal with. But as Jackson and others made clear, it was part of what made him great. And greatness, as history shows, rarely comes easy.