Tom Brady is Throwing a FIT About the NFL’s New Rule Change

(Photo: Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

On Wednesday, NFL owners voted on several different rule changes for the 2021 season. One approved rule that made a lot of headlines is the expanding of jersey number options for certain positions.

.@NFL owners approved a rule change proposed by the @Chiefs expanding jersey number options for certain positions.

Check out the full list of 2021 rule changes: https://t.co/tUVdEzpAXs pic.twitter.com/Q4IFlKpKMv
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) April 21, 2021

The overall response to the rule change has been positive so far. Players like Ja’Marr Chase, Derrick Henry, and Kyle Van Noy all wore single digit numbers in college, and hinted that they may do the same in the NFL now that they have the option.

Someone who is not happy about the rule change? Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Brady posted two Instagram stories on Thursday afternoon, complaining about the rule.

Tom Brady posts again, "DUMB" [rule] pic.twitter.com/d5aGP6ZGic
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 22, 2021

Brady’s complaint is that offensive lineman will be confused on who to block, and that the rule will “make for a lot of bad football.” He also seems to be taking a shot at the integrity of the game, saying “why not let lineman wear whatever they want too? Why have numbers? Just have colored jerseys… Why not wear the same number?… DUMB.” He then tagged the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

This seems like a bit of an overreaction to a rule that will ultimately allow players to monetize their brand even further. Does Brady have a point? Or is this much ado about nothing?

At the end of the day, I don’t think the center is going to have a harder time identifying a Mike linebacker if they’re wearing the number 5 instead of 50. Adapting to changes is something athletes constantly have to deal with. The same goes here with this new rule change.