Super Bowl week has brought with it plenty of media frenzy as always.
The New England Patriots are playing in their eighth Super Bowl since 2002, so they’re used to having all eyes on them in the lead-up to the biggest game of the year. You won’t see Bill Belichick or Tom Brady giving crazy quotes on the media days, although the Patriots coach has been caught smiling multiple times already.
The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, have really embraced their underdog status but aren’t talking like a team short on confidence.
Here are some of the top quotes from the week:
“I think Tom Brady’s earned the right to have that be a decision he makes when he wants to make it.”
-Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, son of owner Robert Kraft, telling NFL Network it’s Brady’s choice when he wants to step away from the game. An ESPN article ahead of the playoffs described a power struggle between ownership, Brady and Belichick, with Brady’s future a topic of contention.
“Why does everyone want me to retire so bad? I don’t get it. I’m having fun. The team’s doing good. I know I’m a little bit older than most of the guys, but I’m really enjoying it.”
-Brady’s response when asked about Kraft’s comments on his decision to retire. The 40-year-old quarterback has maintained he wants to play into his mid 40s and judging by his current form, he may well get there.
“You can’t take it easy on the GOAT. He’s a helluva dude and a helluva player. He’s trying to play a mind game with me. It’s that Jedi mind trick.”
-Eagles defensive end Chris Long speaks on former team-mate Brady, who he won a championship with last year in New England. Brady joked earlier in the week that Long “respects his elders” and not hit him so hard if he gets a chance in the game.
“All of that dynasty stuff, that s*** doesn’t matter to me. I’m not worried about their dynasty. They may have a dynasty but that’s what we are looking to start here in Philly. I am trying to win a trophy man. We want to bring this thing back to Philly for the first time.”
-Philadelphia wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is aware of what the Patriots have accomplished – winning five Super Bowls in the Brady and Belichick era – but he’s not about to bend down and kiss their feet.
“Some of those have worked out maybe a little better for one side than the other. Certainly, Mike got the best of the Chad Johnson trade, still waiting for the payback on that. I don’t think that’s coming.”
-Belichick on the trade he made with the Cincinnati Bengals to get former star receiver Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) in 2011. The Patriots coach almost predictably gave a long-winded answer when asked about special teams coverage, but this shot taken at Johnson was definitely a surprise and came out of nowhere.
“When you get to be as old as him maybe your memory is short.”
-Robert Kraft took a friendly jab at Brady, who is 36 years his junior. The joking remark to the Boston Herald was in response to being asked about Brady’s famous words when the two first met. Kraft maintains Brady told him “I’m the best decision this organisation has ever made”, while Brady claims he said “you’ll never regret picking me”. Regardless of who’s account is true, they both ring true for Kraft and the Patriots.
