In a candid new conversation, basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal has revealed a lasting impression from one of 2024's most viral sports events: The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady. A full year after the Netflix special aired, O'Neal admitted he believed the NFL legend looked uncomfortable during the barrage of jokes.
The Candid Podcast Confession
This revelation came during a frank discussion on The Big Podcast With Shaq, released this Wednesday. The two sporting legends delved into topics of humour, locker room culture, and Brady's genuine feelings on that night. Tom Brady, who permanently retired from professional football in February 2023, surprised many by stating the roast never truly bothered him. He offered a unique perspective on why teasing from friends often translates to a form of respect, providing a fresh look at the much-discussed event.
Shaquille O'Neal directly questioned Brady about his emotions while being roasted by former teammates and top comedians. The live event, which streamed on Netflix on May 5, 2024, from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, lasted nearly three hours. "I think a lot of people I love being made fun of," Brady responded. "When they make fun of you, they're comfortable with you. That's how you know they're really your friends."
Locker Room Banter and a Change of Heart
Brady explained that this kind of joking is standard fare in sports locker rooms, naming former New England Patriots comrades Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman as prime examples. "All you do is make fun of people," Brady said. "That's how it's always been."
Hearing this, Shaq shared the personal impact the roast had on him. "I thought you were uncomfortable," O'Neal confessed to Brady. "So I kind of said, maybe I shouldn't do it." This moment of empathy led O'Neal to decline participating in a similar roast himself. Amused by Brady's relaxed take, O'Neal then joked, "Because you said you're comfortable, Jeff Ross, holla at me," calling out the famous roaster.
The historic roast was hosted by Kevin Hart and featured a lineup including comedians Nikki Glaser, Andrew Schulz, and Tom Segura. It also saw participation from former Patriots players and the legendary coach Bill Belichick. True to form, Brady did not sit back passively and delivered sharp comebacks throughout the show.
Brady's Fiery Comeback Claim and Final Retirement
Later in their podcast chat, Shaquille O'Neal shifted gears, probing Tom Brady on a potential NFL return. This question gained relevance as the Las Vegas Raiders, where Brady became a minority owner in October 2024, faced challenges during the season.
Brady's response was characteristically confident. "I'd whoop a** right now," he declared. "Give me a month, I could go play with anybody." He credited his legendary career longevity to meticulous care of his body. However, he was unequivocal about not making a return. NFL regulations prohibit active players from holding team ownership stakes.
Tom Brady closed the door permanently on his playing days at age 45, concluding a monumental 23-season career. His legacy includes an unmatched seven Super Bowl championships and a brief return to the field after his initial retirement announcement in 2022.
