Tom Brady says he defused tensions between NFL players and Logan Paul ahead of Fanatics Flag Football Classic

Tom Brady, retired NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers,[1][2] appeared on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Tuesday. He described intervening to calm NFL players who reacted strongly after Logan Paul, American YouTuber, WWE performer and professional boxer,[3][4] traded barbs about athleticism during Super Bowl week at radio row.

The exchange preceded the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, scheduled for Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, a 22,000-seat soccer-specific venue in Exposition Park.[1][5] Paul is expected to participate alongside internet personality iShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr.,[6] and professional boxer Terence "Bud" Crawford, the reigning WBO and WBA welterweight champion.[7][8]

Brady told host Jimmy Fallon that players approached him saying they wanted to confront Paul, prompting him to say, "Guys, chill out. We’re not committing any crimes against Logan Paul." He added with a smile, "They’re great athletes. Logan Paul is not really a great athlete. Just kidding! He actually is. I saw a backflip from him today."[1]

The back-and-forth began when Brady told Paul during radio row, "I’m actually a little worried for you. You’re a good athlete but you’re like … These guys are at another level." Paul later posted a video highlighting his leaping ability, drawing a comparison to NFL running back Saquon Barkley hurdling a defender.[1]

Brady escalated playfully while working out with former teammate Rob Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl winner also set to play in the event,[2][9] referring to Paul with an explicit insult. Paul responded by challenging any NFL player to a boxing match with $1 million on the line. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who has pursued a boxing career,[10] expressed interest, though no bout materialized.[1]

Paul commented on a potential clash with Brady, the 23-year NFL veteran,[1][2] stating, "I wouldn’t be surprised if I throw hands with Tom Brady on the field."

Sources

1. Fox News
   Article title: Tom Brady turns up heat on Logan Paul feud with explicit shot
   Publication date: February 11, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-turns-up-heat-logan-paul-feud-explicit-shot
2. NFL.com
   Page title: Tom Brady
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://www.nfl.com/players/tom-brady/
3. Wikipedia
   Page title: Logan Paul
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Paul
4. WWE.com
   Page title: Logan Paul
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://www.wwe.com/superstars/logan-paul
5. Wikipedia
   Page title: BMO Stadium
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMO_Stadium
6. Wikipedia
   Page title: IShowSpeed
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IShowSpeed
7. Wikipedia
   Page title: Terence Crawford
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_Crawford
8. BoxRec.com
   Page title: Terence Crawford
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/396128
9. NFL.com
   Page title: Rob Gronkowski
   Accessed date: October 10, 2024
   https://www.nfl.com/players/rob-gronkowski/
10. Wikipedia
    Page title: Le'Veon Bell
    Accessed date: October 10, 2024
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le%27Veon_Bell