Asked whether he watches HBO's "Hard Knocks," Brady replied: "I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show."

He also added: "I'd love to say a lot of mean things, but I'd rather not do that, either."

In an age of soulless corporate shills who dare not offend anyone and simply pitch every product they can, Brady has far fewer endorsements and doesn't bend over backwards to be liked. It's also worth noting that unlike LeBron James who endorses McDonalds and Peyton Manning who pimps Oreos, Brady's not targeting young fans with products that encourage obesity and poor health.

Don't get me wrong - I hate the Patriots, too. But as a fan, I love to see a player come out rip one of his biggest rivals. One reason the NFL is so compelling at a deep, emotional level is that it's a symbolic version of the tribal warfare instincts we all carry as a species. Much better to channel it into hating the Jets or the Cowboys than to advocate for hating and killing citizens of other countries. And for this mock war to be compelling, the combatants (players) should dislike each other.

This "it's all just a business" crap is bad for the game. It allows us to take a step back and have perspective on it which is exactly what we should not be doing if we want to experience the emotional connection and cathartic release from being fans. It's the only reason to be a fan - because it's real to you, and you care. Otherwise, you're just a social fan - like 90 percent of LA-based Laker fans who just root for their team because it helps them belong. |STAR|&^|STAR| that. Also, I could not be more opposed to the opposing players holding hands and praying together after the games. If you want to practice your religion, fine - please do it among your own teammates and not with the enemy right after the game.

I'm fine with Larry Bird and Magic being good friends |STAR|after|STAR| their careers are over (though I think huge rivals like that should wait five years after retirement minimum to go public with it). But those guys should despise each other while playing the game.

So good for you Tom Brady - even though my Giants kicked the tar out of your pretty-boy ass in the Super Bowl three years ago.