Tom Brady separates politics from friendship
Tom Brady’s friendship with Donald Trump drew public attention during his New England Patriots career. A Make America Great Again hat appeared in Brady’s locker in 2015, and Brady publicly described Trump as a friend.
Brady later distinguished personal friendship from political support. During a 2020 interview with Howard Stern, he said Trump had asked him to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention, but Brady declined the request.
Tom Brady drew attention in 2015
Brady drew political attention in September 2015 after a Make America Great Again hat appeared in his Patriots locker. Asked whether Trump could win the presidency, Brady responded, “I hope so. It would be great.”
Brady later described the remark as an offhand comment, after some interpreted it as an endorsement. He did not confirm a formal Trump endorsement during that exchange and later avoided publicly declaring his presidential vote.
Tom Brady disagreed with Trump
Brady publicly disagreed with Trump in September 2017 after the president criticized NFL players who protested during the national anthem. Brady told WEEI, “I certainly disagree with what he said. I thought it was just divisive.”
During New England’s game against Houston, Brady stood during the anthem and locked arms with teammates. He later said he wanted to support his teammates and emphasized bringing people together through respect, love, and trust.
Tom Brady explains political boundary
Brady discussed his relationship with Trump during an April 2020 interview with Howard Stern. He said he met Trump in 2001 and explained that their friendship attracted greater attention after Trump entered presidential politics.
Brady said political support was different from supporting a friend and described the election-related attention as uncomfortable. He also confirmed that he declined Trump’s request to speak at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
Caitlyn Jenner reversed her support
Caitlyn Jenner voted for Trump in the 2016 presidential election and initially believed she could work with his administration on transgender issues. By 2017, she was publicly criticizing some policies pursued by his administration.
In an October 2018 Washington Post opinion article, Jenner wrote that she had been wrong. She said believing she could work with Trump and his administration to support the transgender community had been a mistake.
Rex Ryan praised Trump in Buffalo
Rex Ryan introduced Trump at an April 18, 2016, campaign rally in Buffalo while serving as the Bills’ head coach. Ryan praised Trump and told the crowd, “We’re all here tonight because we all support Donald Trump.”
Before the rally, Ryan stopped short of formally endorsing Trump. He said former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had been his preferred candidate, distinguishing Ryan’s public support at the event from a formal presidential endorsement.
Mark Cuban shifted during 2016 race
Mark Cuban praised Trump’s impact on political campaigning in July 2015, calling him “probably the best thing to happen to politics in a long time.” Cuban also praised Trump’s willingness to give direct answers.
By July 2016, Cuban’s position had changed. He endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton at a Pittsburgh campaign event and said Trump “scares me,” marking a clear shift from his earlier praise of Trump’s candidacy.
Fun fact: Tom Brady became the first NFL player to reach 100,000 combined regular-season and playoff passing yards.
Bryce Mitchell withdrew Trump support
UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell strongly supported Trump around the 2024 election period and said he would take a bullet for him. In October 2025, Mitchell publicly announced that he no longer supported Trump.
Mitchell said he had been fooled and cited several disagreements, including the handling of Epstein-related files, U.S. spending involving Israel and Ukraine, and Trump’s comments about beef prices and American farmers.
Ryan Garcia withdrew his support
Boxer Ryan Garcia had openly supported Trump and later said he had voted for him. In June 2025, Garcia criticized immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and said he could not remain silent about affected communities.
On Jan. 31, 2026, Garcia publicly withdrew his past support for Trump following a new Justice Department release of Epstein-related records. Garcia cited Trump’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein when explaining his decision.
Jesse Ventura became a Trump critic
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura said in August 2015 that he would give “very serious consideration” to becoming Trump’s running mate if asked. He also said Trump was helping shake up the political status quo.
By January 2026, Ventura was openly criticizing Trump amid controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The former governor called Trump a “draft-dodging coward” while contrasting Trump’s military record with his own service.
Bill Belichick declined Trump honor
Bill Belichick’s relationship with Trump drew attention in 2016 when Trump read a letter from the Patriots coach at a campaign rally. Belichick later said his comments reflected friendship and loyalty to Trump, not politics.
In January 2021, Belichick declined an opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump after the U.S. Capitol attack. Belichick cited national values, freedom, democracy, and his team’s social justice efforts.
Aaron Rodgers criticized Trump in 2026
Aaron Rodgers discussed Trump’s second term during a September 2026 appearance on Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback criticized the administration’s record on several issues and its campaign promises.
Rodgers said “there’s no MAGA movement” and argued that Trump had not delivered on promises he expected the administration to fulfill. The comments amounted to direct criticism of Trump’s second term as president.
Brady’s comments have brought fresh attention to Rodgers’ reputation as one of football’s most gifted quarterbacks. Explore why Tom Brady names Aaron Rodgers the best pure passer and what shaped his praise.
Terrell Owens changed his Trump tone
Terrell Owens endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign in June 2015 after appearing on The Celebrity Apprentice. The former NFL receiver said Trump could change how government operated and concluded his endorsement by saying, “You’re hired.”
In September 2026, Owens invoked Trump while criticizing Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Owens said Jones was “just like Donald Trump” and would “say anything,” contrasting with Owens’ supportive comments about Trump in 2015.
Brady’s unscripted moment during the live broadcast quickly became a talking point among NFL viewers. Tom Brady breaks FCC rules during a live NFL broadcast, revealing what happened on air and why it drew attention.
What do you think about these sports figures changing how they publicly viewed Trump? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
