Quarterback Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an easy 31-9 Super Bowl LV win over the Kansas City Chiefs for the seventh Super Bowl ring of his career.
However, Brady drew ire from numerous members of the media and political influencers before the game when a video of him walking into Raymond James Stadium without a mask made its way onto Twitter.
What’s Tom listening to? ????
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/oCBzKgbKLc
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 7, 2021
Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris did not hesitate to ask why Brady was maskless before the big game.
What’s Tom doing without a damn mask? ???? https://t.co/Om11kCCnpw
— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) February 7, 2021
“What’s Tom doing without a damn mask?” Harris tweeted.
Others, many members of the media, also expressed their displeasure with the quarterback for not wearing a mask.
Considering everything happening in that stadium I doubt this actually matters but a dude as famous as Tom Brady should just do the right thing and wear a mask. I think I have to turn off this game. It’s making me angry. https://t.co/MjPFw6bdqW
— David Kroman (@KromanDavid) February 8, 2021
On a Zoom with 2 friends and we’re torn between talking about how good Tom Brady looked walking in and what a a-hole to be the only one without a mask on screen. ????
— Mandi Bierly (@MandiBierly) February 7, 2021
What is up with Tom Brady walking into the stadium maskless! Only person in the video without a mask! Come on Tom. Really? pic.twitter.com/HHjGiuM9gd
— John Shumway (@KDKAShumway) February 7, 2021
Your reminder that (maskless) @TomBrady is a not a particularly great person. pic.twitter.com/JeeP88Yiir
— Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) February 7, 2021
Reason #million why I want anyone but Tom Brady to win. Too good to wear a mask? https://t.co/lQzI2DycsL
— Shannon (@Shannon_Houser) February 7, 2021
“We keep harping on it. … So far, God willing, he’s still healthy. But the answer is yes, we do.”
Tom Brady’s parents, who both battled COVID-19, have told the QB to wear a mask more often. https://t.co/PnHHKQ2w2S pic.twitter.com/1IFZpH1Npz
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) February 7, 2021
So….everyone is wearing a mask walking in…except Tom Brady.
— The Final Word (@WPXIFinalWord) February 7, 2021
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden spoke to the country in a pre-recorded video before opening kickoff, urging Americans to continue to wear masks and stay socially distant. (RELATED: Biden Coronavirus Advisor Says Wearing Two Masks ‘May Actually Be Counterproductive’)
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden speak by video recording at The Super Bowl.
“Wear a mask, stay socially distanced, get tested, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.” pic.twitter.com/g4Sfq7uVEl
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 8, 2021
“Let’s remember, we all can do our part to save lives,” Biden said. “Wear masks. Stay socially distanced. Get tested. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”
Brady also took heat from the media in the week leading up to the Super Bowl because of his previous support for former President Donald Trump.