Tom Brady rips 'mediocrity in today’s NFL,' takes issue with 'product' on the field

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Tom Brady has been on the sidelines for nearly a full NFL season, and he is hating on what he has been watching on the field.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner appeared on "The Stephen A. Show" and took to task the "mediocrity" that he has seen in the NFL.

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Tom Brady, #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, looks on during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023 in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

"I think there’s a lot of mediocrity in today’s NFL. I don’t see the excellence that I saw in the past," Brady said. "I think the coaching isn’t as good as it was. I don’t think the development of young players is as good as it was. The rules have allowed a lot of bad habits to get into the actual performance of the game. So, I just think the product in my opinion is less than what it’s been."

Brady used an example of how defensive players are being regulated. He said the hits legends would have made when he played would have been penalized in today’s game.

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New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft shakes hands with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, during a ceremony honoring Brady at halftime of New England's game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 10, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star said it is not up to the defensive player to protect offensive players. They should be taught how to protect themselves.

"I look at a lot of