In a candid new podcast episode, basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal has shared a surprising observation about fellow sporting legend Tom Brady. O’Neal admitted that watching Brady's high-profile Netflix roast left him with a lasting impression of the quarterback's discomfort.
The Moment That Stayed With Shaq
During The Big Podcast With Shaq, released this Wednesday, O’Neal directly addressed the event with Brady himself. The conversation provided a rare, honest look back at The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady, which streamed live on Netflix on May 5, 2024, from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
"I thought you were uncomfortable," O’Neal confessed to Brady. This perception was so strong that it influenced O’Neal's own career decisions. "So I kind of said, maybe I shouldn't do it," he revealed, explaining why he has avoided participating in a similar comedy roast.
Brady's Counterpoint: Roasting as a Form of Respect
Tom Brady, who retired from the NFL in February 2023, offered a completely different perspective. He stated that the nearly three-hour roast, where he was teased by comedians and former teammates, never bothered him.
"I think a lot of people I love being made fun of," Brady said. "When they make fun of you, they’re comfortable with you. That’s how you know they’re really your friends." He framed the experience as an extension of the locker room culture he experienced throughout his 23-season career.
Brady cited former New England Patriots teammates like Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman as examples, noting that relentless joking is simply part of the bond in sports. "All you do is make fun of people," he explained. "That’s how it’s always been."
Amused by Brady's take, O’Neal jokingly invited roast master Jeff Ross to contact him, saying, "Because you said you’re comfortable, Jeff Ross, holla at me."
From the Stage to the Owner's Box
The podcast also touched on Brady's current role in football. As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders (a position he took in October 2024), Brady watched the team struggle this season. This prompted O’Neal to ask if the seven-time Super Bowl champion could still play.
Brady responded with characteristic confidence: "I’d whoop a** right now. Give me a month, I could go play with anybody." He credited his legendary longevity to taking exceptional care of his body.
However, he immediately shut down any speculation of a return. NFL rules prohibit active players from holding team ownership stakes. Brady, who retired for good at age 45 after a brief comeback in 2022, has firmly closed the chapter on his playing days.
The original roast event was a star-studded affair, hosted by Kevin Hart and featuring comedians like Nikki Glaser and Andrew Schulz, alongside former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Brady himself fired back with jokes during the special, which became one of the most talked-about sports entertainment moments of the year.
