When Shaquille O’Neal decides to defend a friend, he doesn’t exactly whisper. That’s exactly what happened this week after sports personality Dave Portnoy took aim at Tom Brady’s life after football.
Portnoy recently questioned Brady’s growing list of celebrity appearances and collaborations, suggesting the legendary quarterback has drifted away from the image he built during his Hall of Fame-worthy NFL career. But if he expected everyone to agree, he clearly forgot one important detail: Shaq isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
While promoting his new true-crime series, Game Day Murders, Shaq was asked about the criticism surrounding Brady. His response? Short, direct, and very Shaq.
According to the Big Diesel, Brady has earned the right to live however he wants after spending more than two decades dominating the football world. In Shaq’s eyes, the seven-time Super Bowl champion doesn’t need anyone else’s approval to enjoy retirement on his own terms.
Shaq also brushed aside Portnoy’s opinions, pointing out that successful people often believe everyone needs to hear what they have to say. But as far as Shaq is concerned, Brady knows exactly what he’s doing—and he’s doing just fine.
Of course, Shaq couldn’t resist adding a little extra spice to the conversation. He delivered a few memorable comments about Portnoy that quickly grabbed headlines across the sports world. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that when Shaq has something to say, he rarely holds back.
The support shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Shaq and Brady have built a genuine friendship over the years, appearing together at major events and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. Brady even joined Shaq on his podcast following Netflix’s The Roast of Tom Brady. During that conversation, Shaq admitted he wondered if some of the jokes might have gone too far, but Brady assured him it was all part of the fun.
That easygoing attitude is part of what has made Brady such a respected figure, even after hanging up his cleats.
Ironically, Portnoy wasn’t always one of Brady’s critics. During Brady’s incredible run with the New England Patriots, Portnoy was one of his loudest supporters, celebrating championships and defending the quarterback whenever critics came calling.
Now, however, Portnoy believes Brady has leaned too far into celebrity culture through appearances with high-profile personalities like Michael Rubin and Logan Paul.
Shaq simply isn’t buying that argument.
From his perspective, Brady is doing what countless retired athletes hope to do: enjoy life, explore new opportunities, and have some fun after years of operating under the intense pressure that comes with being one of the greatest football players ever.
Honestly, isn’t that the whole point of retirement?
Whether he’s broadcasting NFL games, attending star-studded events, launching business ventures, or simply hanging out with friends, Brady seems determined to enjoy the next phase of life on his own terms.
And if anyone has earned that freedom, Shaq believes Tom Brady certainly has.
As usual, the Big Diesel summed it up in classic Shaq fashion: let the critics talk. The legends will keep living their best lives.