“Oh no,” Brady said as the injury unfolded, before also letting a profanity slip out while reacting to the graphic replay. Brady immediately apologized for the language, acknowledging that he did not expect the broadcast to show such a disturbing replay.

The moment quickly spread across social media as fans reacted not only to Brady’s unfiltered response but also to the severity of Daniels’ apparent injury. The Commanders quarterback was carted off the field after hurting his left elbow on the final play of the first half.

What happened to Jayden Daniels’ left elbow?

Jayden Daniels suffered the injury with Washington facing the Cowboys near the goal line and the clock winding down before halftime. The quarterback took the snap but appeared to have his foot stepped on by an offensive lineman, causing him to lose his balance and reach out with his left arm to brace his fall.

The quarterback’s left elbow appeared to bend awkwardly as he landed, and Daniels immediately showed signs of pain. He was eventually helped from the field and placed in an air cast before being taken to the locker room on a cart.

The injury is particularly concerning because it appears to involve the same left elbow Daniels injured during the 2025 season. Daniels previously suffered a dislocated left elbow and missed time because of it, making Sunday’s incident an especially worrying development for Washington.

For now, the injury should be described as an apparent left elbow injury rather than a confirmed diagnosis. Early reports and video appeared consistent with another dislocation, but the Commanders would need further medical evaluation to determine the full extent of the damage and establish a recovery timeline.

Daniels had been playing well before leaving the game, completing 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 rushing yards on seven carries. Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback after Daniels was forced out.

Brady’s reaction added another viral moment to what was already a frightening scene. The FOX broadcaster’s immediate “Oh no” and subsequent apology showed just how shocking the replay was, while Daniels’ injury left Washington facing major questions about its quarterback situation.

The former New England Patriots quarterback became part of the conversation after a video from 2010 resurfaced and went viral. In the footage, Brady remained on the field deep into the third quarter of a preseason game, with Randy Moss also playing alongside him.

The clip quickly drew comparisons to today’s NFL, where several star quarterbacks are reluctant to take part in exhibition games. Aaron Rodgers, for example, recently described preseason football as “not real football” with the Steelers.

What did Tom Brady say about NFL players skipping preseason?

Tom Brady did not mention Aaron Rodgers by name, but his comments clearly challenge the modern approach taken by star players who prefer to avoid preseason action.

“Preseason, regular season, I never wanted to be taken off the field. Practice makes perfect. Too many people looking for easy ways out these days. When you’re a football player, and it’s football season, your job is to play football.”

The message is particularly striking coming from a quarterback who spent more than two decades playing at the highest level. Brady’s approach was famously centered around preparation and repetition, and he appears to believe that preseason snaps are part of that process.

His resurfaced 2010 performance provides a perfect example of that mentality. Brady was not simply making a brief appearance before heading to the sideline. He remained involved deep into the game while playing alongside one of his most dangerous weapons in Moss.

Why Tom Brady’s comments matter for Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most prominent examples of the changing attitude toward preseason football. The Steelers quarterback has made it clear that he would be comfortable sitting out Pittsburgh’s exhibition games, leaving the decision to Mike McCarthy.

The argument from modern NFL teams is understandable. Starting quarterbacks are increasingly valuable, and one preseason injury can potentially derail an entire season. Teams also have much more information about established veterans, making extended preseason workloads less necessary.

Brady sees the issue differently. For him, preseason was another opportunity to sharpen his game, build timing with teammates and prepare for the regular season.

That philosophical difference highlights how much the NFL has changed. Brady’s generation often viewed preseason repetitions as essential preparation. Today’s stars and coaches are increasingly focused on minimizing injury risk and preserving their most important players.

Whether Brady’s old-school approach still makes sense in today’s NFL is debatable. But his message is unmistakable: if you’re a football player during football season, he believes there should be no shortcuts.

Per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports, “Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says that he’s talked to Tom Brady, Tyrann Mathieu, and Zach Ertz about his knee injury recovery, getting some advice from players who have suffered similar injuries.”

That is a very huge sign of maturity by Patrick Mahomes. Brady, not so long ago, was Mahomes’ nemesis in the league. Now, Mahomes is seeking a retired Brady for advice. Also, speaking to a former teammate like Tyrann Mathieu and a respected veteran like Zach Ertz speaks to Mahomes’ will to get back to his best.

Mahomes recovery timetable

Now that Andy Reid revealed Patrick Mahomes’ status is a good one, the timetable is very optimistic. Mahomes suffered his ACL tear the last December, so the 9-month period recovery should be up by Week 1. Hence, he is right on track.

Now, Mahomes is not looking at just recovering, but getting back to his best shape. If Mahomes manages to do so, he could really be rewriting history. Mahomes is a Chiefs legend already, and he could be an even bigger one if he delivers a ring after a knee injury.

Who can replace Mahomes if necessary?

If Patrick Mahomes suffers a setback, which would be unfortunate, the Chiefs would have Justin Fields stepping up as the quarterback. Fields is very mobile, but the Chiefs would suffer a lot in terms of arm-strength and accuracy.

“He really cares about football,” the HC said in a recent interview with Giants radio broadcasters Bob Papa and Carl Banks. “So, for him to be this young, have that kind of mindset. I don’t know if it surprises me because I think that the guys that have a chance to be great, I feel like the Bradys of the world, the Mannings of the world, you know, they, they were always like that probably from the beginning.

“I don’t think they had to learn that. They kind of had it probably maybe from high school on. And I kind of see that in Jaxson Dart. Now we’ll see what he does with it. You know, we’ll see, you know, we’ll see, like all of us, we’ll see how good we are. We’ll find out.”

It is clear that Dart is still taking his first steps in the league and has a long road ahead of him, but he has the potential to become one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Additionally, the way Harbaugh views his quarterback is already creating excitement throughout East Rutherford.

The mindset that impressed Harbaugh

Dart had a solid rookie season statistically, highlighted by an aggressive style of play that often led him into unnecessary collisions with opponents. Harbaugh, while not surprised but certainly impressed, believes that mindset can take him and the team a long way.

“I don’t know about surprised, probably just impressed, probably more than anything. I do think he’s obsessed. I believe that he really, really wants to be good. He’s kind of got the it factor from a leadership standpoint because he’s respected by the guys,” Harbaugh said.

“I mean, they just know how hard he works, and they know how much he cares, and they respect his talent, of course. He’s got a little juice, you know, he’s got some charisma.”

Brady and Manning’s first year in the NFL

In 1998, Peyton Manning was the No. 1 overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts, starting all 16 games and putting up a prolific yet erratic rookie campaign with 3,739 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a league-high 28 interceptions, setting rookie records at the time for yards, completions, and touchdown passes.

By contrast, Tom Brady’s 2000 debut with the New England Patriots was almost invisible; buried as the fourth-string quarterback after being drafted 199th overall, Brady appeared in just one game during his rookie season, completing 1 of 3 passes for 6 yards.

Dart’s NFL debut season

Taken over as the New York Giants starter in Week 4 after being selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jaxson Dart delivered a promising and fiery rookie campaign. Over 14 games (12 starts), the former Ole Miss signal-caller threw for 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, finishing with a solid 57.5 QBR. Known for his aggressive playstyle and mobility, Dart also made a massive impact on the ground by rushing for 487 yards and 9 touchdowns, flashing franchise-QB potential despite the usual rookie growing pains.

“I mean, Brady. When you go seven Super Bowls it’s hard to…there’s not anybody close. And so it gets hard to debate that. I put Brady as number one, and for me, Aaron Rodgers is probably number two.”

Williams’ answer immediately drew attention across the NFL because of the second name on his list. While few would be surprised to see Tom Brady at the top, Williams’ decision to rank Aaron Rodgers as the second-best quarterback ever is particularly noteworthy given the history between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Who is the greatest QB of all time?

Tom Brady is the greatest QB of all time according to Caleb Williams, but, Aaron Rodgers got a tremendous recognition from the Bears’ star. For more than a decade, Rodgers tormented the Bears while establishing himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. As a result, many Chicago fans still associate him with some of the franchise’s most frustrating moments.

That makes Williams’ praise especially significant. Rather than letting the rivalry influence his opinion, the Bears quarterback openly acknowledged Rodgers’ greatness and placed him ahead of numerous legendary passers.

The timing is also interesting because Rodgers is preparing for what is expected to be his final NFL season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As one generation of quarterbacks begins to take over the league, Williams made it clear that he still views Rodgers as one of the defining players in NFL history.

For many football fans, Tom Brady should have retired as a lifelong Patriot. Instead, he left in 2020 to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he went on to win his seventh Super Bowl ring. Years later, Belichick, who is now focusing on his second year with the UNC Tar Heels, completely supports the decision made by the future first-ballot Hall of Famer.

According to the former Patriots head coach, who won six Super Bowls alongside Brady, New England simply didn’t have a strong enough roster to help TB12 achieve success in 2020. In contrast, Tampa Bay had built a championship-ready environment perfectly suited for Brady to step in and win another title.

“Tom leaving was absolutely the right thing for him to do,” Bill Belichick said, via Boston.com. “We didn’t have a good team in 2020. We just didn’t have a good football team. We had all those guys that left — (Rob) Gronkowski and (Julian) Edelman. Most of our team was gone. (Devin) McCourty and a few others were still there, but they were about to go, too. We were just at the end.

“And honestly, I was happy for him that things worked out well for him in Tampa, because he was with a team … and then he went on and won. That made me happy for him, because Tom — it wouldn’t have gone well in 2020 in New England. On this, I can guarantee that.”

The Patriots were not ready for Tom Brady’s departure

Tom Brady’s final contract with the Patriots expired in 2020, a situation the front office was well aware of. While they remained confident that they would agree on an extension, they ultimately failed to secure his services, allowing the quarterback to hit free agency.

Following Brady’s departure, Bill Belichick chose to remain in New England to rebuild with a new quarterback. However, the Patriots struggled to find a viable successor during the remainder of his tenure, which ultimately led to the legendary head coach’s departure following the 2023 season.

Now, the Patriots find themselves in an entirely different era. Mike Vrabel took over the team in 2025 and immediately guided them to Super Bowl LX, where New England narrowly fell to the Seattle Seahawks. Furthermore, the franchise has found a promising young signal-caller in Drake Maye, whom many view as the true successor to Tom Brady that the club had been desperately searching for.

Will Bill Belichick return to the NFL?

Since parting ways with the Patriots at the end of the 2023 season, Belichick has not held another coaching position in the NFL. He came remarkably close to joining the Atlanta Falcons in early 2024, but the organization ultimately chose Raheem Morris to fill the vacancy.

Bill Belichick currently serves as the head coach of the UNC Tar Heels. While he is rumored to still be interested in a return to the professional ranks, no formal NFL offers have materialized, meaning his legendary days in the league may have officially come to a close.

A few days ago, Aaron Rodgers reached an agreement to return to the Steelers for the 2026 season. After a long wait, the quarterback decided to make one final run and chase his second Super Bowl title in Pittsburgh.

However, there is no chance of a return in 2027. “Yes, this is it,” the quarterback answered when asked if 2026 would be his last year in the NFL, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. He also admitted the arrival of Mike McCarthy was key for his return.

Aaron Rodgers will retire at a younger age than Tom Brady

In recent years, comparisons between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have been one of the most common debates among football fans. While their trophy cabinets are vastly different, both quarterbacks have brought massive changes to the league since their arrival.

In 2023, Tom Brady announced his retirement from football at 45 years old. If Aaron Rodgers lives up to his word and retires after the 2026 season, he will be 43 years old at the time, retiring two years younger than Brady.

Rodgers’ accolades are impressive. He is a 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, four-time NFL MVP, and a Super Bowl XLV champion, a game in which he was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player. For many, he is an undeniable first-ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes

The future of the Steelers is intriguing

According to reports, the Steelers have already designed a succession plan at quarterback for when Rodgers retires. The club has struggled to find stability at the position since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, mostly relying on veteran signal-callers to lead the offense.

If the 2027 NFL Draft class presents an attractive target for the franchise, the Steelers may be interested in trading up as much as possible to secure an elite quarterback prospect, hoping to find the long-awaited successor to Big Ben.

When the Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the fanbase was electrified. Optimism reached new heights at the prospect of a seven-time Super Bowl champion guiding the rookie toward professional success.

While Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, general manager John Spytek has clarified the chain of command. Spytek detailed that he will primarily let head coach Klint Kubiak and the coaching staff guide Mendoza’s day-to-day development.

“I don’t think it’s going to be hard,” Spytek said. “We both welcome Tom’s insight and his input. But at the same time, I would say Tom has empowered us to run the day-to-day of the Raiders the way that we see fit. And obviously with the right vision and process in place, we’re going to be a very process-driven organization right now. And I think that wouldn’t surprise anybody with the way that Tom has operated throughout his career.”

If things go wrong, Tom Brady could always step in

Klint Kubiak is in his first year as head coach following a brilliant stint with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won Super Bowl LX. He now inherits a generational prospect in Fernando Mendoza, and the expectations for the Indiana star are already sky-high.

According to Spytek, Brady—who personally welcomed Mendoza after his selection—will allow Kubiak to develop the signal-caller, respecting the boundaries of the coaching staff. Nevertheless, there is a clear strategic reason why the Raiders brought Brady into the ownership group.

If the transition proves difficult, the Raiders will undoubtedly rely on Brady’s unprecedented expertise to assist both Kubiak and Mendoza. Though he is not a coach, his high-level advice could be the catalyst the club needs to finally secure the franchise quarterback fans have craved for decades.

The Raiders have another experienced QB to help Mendoza

Earlier this offseason, the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins. While he may not boast the trophy case of Tom Brady, his extensive veteran experience will be invaluable to Mendoza’s growth.

The Raiders are prepared for a competitive summer between Mendoza and Cousins. However, given his significant college experience and perceived NFL-readiness, the rookie appears to have the inside track to start in Week 1.

“Thank you to all that has helped me through the years along my football career. It has allowed me to grow and experience life in ways I can’t put into words,” was part of the heartfelt message in Smith’s official Instagram statement.

The offensive tackle entered the world’s biggest league after being selected in the second round of the 2015 Draft with the 34th overall pick, precisely by the Bucs. His performance wearing the colors of the Penn State Nittany Lions impressed everyone, and he was able to translate it to the NFL.

His success is not only defined by his on-field achievements, but also by his character as a person, as reflected by some of his former teammates. “Blessings brotha honored to share the field with you,” Jaylen Watson said. Creed Humphrey also added: “Congrats on an amazing career brother!”

The first ring alongside Tom Brady

During the 2020 NFL season, Donovan Smith played a pivotal role as the starting left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, famously protecting Tom Brady’s blindside during their run to a victory in Super Bowl LV. That season, Smith started 15 regular-season games and was a cornerstone of an offensive line that allowed only 22 sacks all year, the second-fewest in the league.

His performance was particularly dominant during the postseason, where he did not allow a single sack across four playoff games, including the 31–9 blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout the 2020 campaign, Smith logged over 1,000 offensive snaps, proving his durability and consistency as he secured his first championship ring alongside the legendary quarterback.

The second was alongside Patrick Mahomes

In the 2023 season, Smith joined the Kansas City Chiefs on a one-year deal and immediately took over as the starting left tackle, protecting Patrick Mahomes during their championship run to Super Bowl LVIII. The OT started 12 regular-season games, logging 749 offensive snaps and providing veteran stability to a line that ultimately helped the Chiefs secure a 25–22 overtime victory against the 49ers.

Statistically, Smith earned a 60.3 pass-blocking grade from PFF, allowing only two sacks and 42 total pressures throughout the campaign. His ability to anchor the blindside was a key factor in the Chiefs’ postseason success, making him one of the few players in NFL history to win Super Bowls as a starting left tackle for two different legendary quarterbacks.

Winning alongside Brady and Mahomes is a privilege few have

Few elite playmakers have managed the rare feat of winning Super Bowl rings alongside both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, proving to be invaluable assets to the league’s most recent dynasties. Wide receiver Justin Watson secured a title with Brady in Super Bowl LV before earning two more with Mahomes in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, while legendary running back LeSean McCoy achieved a spectacular back-to-back run by winning with the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV followed immediately by a victory with the Buccaneers.

Additionally, veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert provided championship-caliber depth as a backup for both icons, earning rings in Super Bowl LV and Super Bowl LVIII respectively.

Tom Brady, through his X account, made it clear that this is only the beginning of a very demanding path. “Congratulations to all the rookies who are joining the NFL this weekend. I hope you can appreciate this special moment… you’ve earned it through hard work, discipline, and determination. You’ve made your family proud, along with everyone else on your journey that has supported you.

But this is just the beginning. When you wake up tomorrow morning, just know that your career will be defined by what happens going forward. You’ll need to take everything you do to the next level in order to compete with the world’s best. Welcome to Las Vegas Fernando Mendoza. Time to get to work.”

The link between Mendoza and Brady

The relationship between old school and the greatest of all time with the new generation is more alive than ever after Fernando Mendoza revealed that he would have Brady as a mentor if he were selected by the Raiders.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Mendoza shared details about his initial connection with Brady and what the legendary quarterback and minority owner of the team told him.

“He gave me the message that he’s going to push me, and he’s not going to be all lovey dovey, and that, if the Raiders draft me, he’s going to be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever QB the Raiders have.”

Having that type of mentorship creates excitement that we could be witnessing the rise of the next big NFL star, one who aims to make history in the league and not disappoint Tom Brady.

During an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Mendoza shared insight into his early connection with Brady and what the legendary quarterback and minority owner of the team told him about a potential future in Las Vegas.

“He gave me the message that he’s going to push me, and he’s not going to be all lovey-dovey, and that, if the Raiders draft me, he’s going to be a mentor and wants to pour into whatever QB the Raiders have.”

Tom Brady’s message for Fernando Mendoza

Tom Brady’s message reflects a broader shift within the Las Vegas Raiders. After a disappointing stretch under Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, Brady had already signaled a more active role in football decisions.

Now, with Klint Kubiak leading a new coaching era, the Raiders appear ready to build around a young quarterback with elite upside. In the QB room, it will be a very interesting scenario with a veteran like Kirk Cousins also mentoring Mendoza and leading the transition.

Will Raiders pick QB Fernando Mendoza in 2026 NFL Draft?

The Raiders are ready to choose Fernando Mendoza. The context makes the moment even more significant. Las Vegas endured a controversial offseason, highlighted by the failed trade attempt involving Maxx Crosby and the Baltimore Ravens, raising questions about the team’s long-term direction.

Landing Mendoza could change that narrative entirely. Fresh off a national championship run with Indiana, he represents not only stability at quarterback but also a potential cornerstone for years to come.

If his development aligns with expectations, and with Brady’s mentorship in place, the Raiders could quickly re-enter contention in a loaded AFC West alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Over time, Mendoza may even position the franchise to pursue the ultimate goal: returning to Super Bowl contention.