Ray Lewis appeared to insult Tom Brady's legacy Tuesday, saying that the only reason anyone knows the quarterback is "because of a tuck rule," referring to the infamous 2002 NFL playoff game that the New England Patriots won in part because of a stringent interpretation of the league rulebook. Lewis backtracked on his comments Thursday, however, clarifying on Twitter that "I was trying to express my frustration about the Tuck Rule itself," adding "[Brady] will go down as one of the all-time greats."
Ray Lewis backtracks from comments that Tuck Rule defined Tom Brady’s legacy
Two future Hall of Famers traded compliments Thursday instead of engaging in what could have been an entertaining public feud.
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
The clarification came after Brady complimented Lewis’ legacy at a news conference Thursday when prodded for a response to Lewis’ comments.
“Everyone has an opinion,” Brady said, via ESPN. “I think Ray is a great player. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I was fortunate enough to play against him.”
Brady's legacy certainly wasn't hurt by the Tuck Rule. After beating the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional round of the playoffs, the Patriots won twice more to secure Brady's first Super Bowl ring. A more difficult argument would be that the Tuck Rule has defined Brady's career. He has gone on to win two more Super Bowls, two league MVP awards, and just last weekend became the NFL's all-time leading postseason passer with 6,791 yards.
It’s a bizarre argument, but then again, so is ranting against a rule that was rescinded nearly two years ago. Whatever Lewis actually meant, it appears that the controversy will die at the bud.
Lewis’ full comments:
"To clarify my comments from this week:I was trying to express my frustration about the Tuck Rule itself....
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) January 15, 2015 Rules like that should not be part of the game.They lead to controversial plays that impact the outcome of the games and thats what everyone
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) January 15, 2015 Remembers,especially when you are talking about playoff games.
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) January 15, 2015 I have immense respect for Tom Brady and everything he has achieved in this league. He will go down as one of the all-time greats."
— Ray Lewis (@raylewis) January 15, 2015 See More:
