The Netflix-produced Roast of Tom Brady definitely delivered on its promise, which was to skewer one of the most iconic athletes of all time. Those who’ve checked out the highlights of Brady’s roast surely know that the stars on the dais pulled no punches. And the former footballer himself seemed to take it all in stride. However, there was one crack that some thought truly rubbed the star the wrong way. Now, Andrew Schulz, one of the roasters of that night, is sharing his belief as to why Brady was indeed legitimately upset over what was said.
The jokes were flying fast and furiously at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles last weekend, when a host of stars, press members and more gathered to witness the ex-New England Patriot get taken to task. During Jeff Ross’ set, the comic recalled the long-told story about Tom Brady walking into the office of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, telling him, “I’m the best decision your organization has ever made.” After Ross made that statement, he added the quip, “Would you like a massage?” Brady himself then got up and said to Ross, “Don’t say that shit again.” That barb referred to a 2019 incident in which Kraft (who was at the roast) was arrested for soliciting prostitution at a spa in Florida.
Jeff Ross appeared on The Rich Eisen Show following that night and stated (via YouTube) that there was “no way” the seven-time Super Bowl champion took the barb seriously. Additionally, Ross said that the owner himself “loved” it and that they had a “great talk” after it happened. However, Andrew Schulz, while speaking on the FLAGRANT podcast, says the displeasure on the athlete’s part was “100% real.” Schulz went on to explain that it stems from a pre-show stipulation present to the night's performers:
When Tom checked Jeff Ross? I think that was 100% real… I’ll tell y’all something. The reason why I think it’s real is because they told us no jokes about happy endings with Bob Kraft. I had a Bob Kraft tag… Tom asked us not to do anything with the massage shit, and I was like, ‘Alright. Cool.’
Andrew Schulz went on to share his recollection of the exact moment that Tom Brady stepped in during the Ricky Stanicky cast member’s set. While discussing the “alpha ass move” on the former quarterback’s part, Schulz also discussed the relationship between Brady and his former employer:
Jeff did it, and then Tom walks up and he goes, ‘Cut that shit out.’ Or ‘Don’t do that again.’ But this is the first comic that goes on, a live roast, and it’s your night. He was ready to shut the whole thing down. That’s an alpha ass move right there. For this guy, who basically let him go; Bob Kraft did not re-sign him, and he still feels that kind of loyalty.
What can be said is that the “massage” joke garnered a massive crowd reaction during the roast. The same is true of zingers from the likes of Andrew Schulz, Nikki Glaser and Kevin Hart, who went hard with their jabs. It was probably a given that at least one might garner a true side eye or two. Tom Brady has yet to speak out on that moment himself but, based on his reaction to Jeff Ross’ joke, one does get the feeling that he quickly wanted to squash any additional “massage” material.
The Roast of Tom Brady is still available to stream with a Netflix subscription (though without the booing of Kim Kardashian). Fans looking for other comedic productions can find them on the 2024 TV schedule.
