The 2025 Super Bowl was not just a showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles—it also became a stage for a lighthearted yet memorable exchange between two of America’s most recognizable figures: Tom Brady and Kevin Hart. During the live broadcast, Brady, the legendary quarterback turned Fox Sports commentator, couldn’t resist throwing a playful jab at the comedian, nine months after Hart had mercilessly roasted him in a Netflix special. As the game unfolded, Brady’s quick wit and camaraderie with his co-commentator, Kevin Burkhardt, made for an entertaining sideshow that kept viewers glued to their screens.
The exchange began innocently enough. As cameras panned to Kevin Hart, who was in attendance at the game, Brady leaned into the microphone and quipped, “Kevin Hart’s here?” His tone was playful, but there was no mistaking the subtle dig aimed at Hart’s 5-foot-5 frame. “How do the cameras find Kevin Hart?” Brady added, raising an eyebrow as if genuinely puzzled. Burkhardt, clearly in on the joke, chuckled and replied, “Well, it depends on the day, I guess,” leaving room for Brady to clarify his intentions. “Kevin, I love you,” Brady said with a grin. “You took so many shots at me in May. I’m coming right back at you.” The banter was all in good fun, but it also served as a reminder of the verbal sparring match the two had engaged in months earlier.
In May 2024, Kevin Hart had headlined The Roast of Tom Brady, a live-streamed Netflix special that saw the comedian pull no punches in his remarks about the retired NFL star. Hart had taken aim at Brady’s personal life, particularly his highly publicized divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her subsequent relationship with martial arts instructor Joaquim Valente. “You sometimes got to f–k your coach,” Hart had joked during the roast. “You know who else f–ked their coach? Gisele. She f–ked that karate man,” he added, leaving the audience in stitches. Hart had also taunted Brady for not seeing the breakup coming, quipping, “I mean, Jesus Christ, Tom. One of the smartest quarterbacks ever played a game. How did you not see this coming? Eight f–king karate classes a day.” Brady had taken the jokes in stride during the roast, but the aftermath revealed a more nuanced reaction.
In the months following the roast, Brady opened up about his regrets over participating in the event, not because of the jokes aimed at him, but because of the impact they had on his three children. “The bittersweet aspect of when you do something that you think is one way and then all of a sudden you realize, ‘I wouldn’t do that again,’ because of the way that affected actually the people that I care about the most in the world,” Brady admitted during an appearance on The Pivot podcast. His words underscored the delicate balance between humor and sensitivity, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. For Brady, who has built a reputation as one of the most disciplined and focused athletes in history, the experience seemed to highlight a growing awareness of his public persona and its effects on his family.
Kevin Hart, for his part, has shown understanding for Brady’s perspective. The comedian, known for his sharp tongue and quick wit, has acknowledged that Brady’s desire to “protect” his family is entirely reasonable. However, Hart has yet to publicly respond to Brady’s latest jab, and it’s unclear whether he will. Given Hart’s busy schedule and his apparent celebration of the Eagles’ victory at the Super Bowl, it’s possible that the comedian was too preoccupied to even notice—or perhaps he’s simply biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to fire back. One thing is certain: the back-and-forth between these two larger-than-life figures has added an extra layer of entertainment to their public interactions.
For Brady, the Super Bowl gig marked a significant milestone in his post-retirement career as a broadcaster. Despite being relatively new to the world of sports commentary, Brady seemed to settle into his role seamlessly, displaying the same charisma and competitive spirit that defined his playing career. His former teammate, Rob Gronkowski, couldn’t help but sing his praises ahead of the game. “He’s ready,” Gronkowski told Page Six. “He’s always prepared. He’s the best at preparation. He’s the best at, you know, doing his best, and he’s just going to be ready.” Brady’s ability to think on his feet and connect with audiences—whether on the field or in the broadcast booth—suggests that his second act is off to a strong start.
In the end, the exchange between Brady and Hart served as a reminder of the power of humor to bridge even the most unlikely of friendships. While the two men may have traded barbs in the public eye, their ability to laugh at themselves—and each other—speaks volumes about their camaraderie and resilience. For fans of both Brady and Hart, their dynamic is a welcome distraction from the seriousness of everyday life, offering a glimpse into the lighter side of celebrity culture. Whether this lighthearted rivalry continues in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Tom Brady and Kevin Hart know how to keep things entertaining, both on and off the field.
