“Don’t Like That One Bit”: Tom Brady and Ryan Clark Slam NFL Refs’ Offensive Pass Interference Call Against AJ Brown in the Super Bowl

Braden Ramsey | 10/02/2025
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

NFL fans have a deeply-held belief that the league’s officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL Referees Association dismissed any rumors of such in the leadup to Super Bowl LIX. Then, on the first drive of the game, fans had something to gripe about.

Facing 4th-and-2 from midfield, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts uncorked a beautiful deep pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown made a running grab on the sideline for what appeared to be a 31-yard gain. However, an offensive pass interference penalty on Brown wiped out the conversion.

FOX commentator and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady wasn’t pleased about the flag. He believed the contact was minimal and did not justify offensive pass interference.

“Oh! Don’t like that one bit. This is too critical of a game.”

FOX NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira agreed with Brady’s take. Many big names, including ESPN personalities Ryan Clark, Pat McAfee and Stephen A. Smith, unsurprisingly shared the same opinion.

Philadelphia punted on the possession, then forced Kansas City to do the same. The Eagles scored a touchdown on the next possession following a questionable unnecessary roughness call that went in their favor.

Philadelphia went on to beat Kansas City 40-22 to win the Super Bowl. Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean – who turned 22 on Sunday itself – gave the Eagles their three-possession advantage with a 38-yard pick-six. Jalen Hurts was named the Super Bowl MVP after 16 completions on 22 passes for 221 yards, two touchdown passes, and one interception, having also added 11 carries for 72 yards and another rushing touchdown.

 

Post Edited By: Dhruv Rupani
A.J. Brown Kansas City Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX Tom Brady

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Braden Ramsey

Braden Ramsey has always been a big NFL fan. He has written about the league for various outlets, and covered the sport at a number of levels throughout his life. His favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. When he's not writing, Braden can be found enjoying comedy of all kinds and hanging out with friends.

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