Shaquille O’Neal Comes to Tom Brady’s Defense After Dave Portnoy’s Harsh Post-NFL Take

Shaquille O’Neal calls Dave Portnoy’s success a matter of luck while defending Tom Brady from the Barstool Sports founder's criticism.

Shaquille O’Neal Comes to Tom Brady’s Defense After Dave Portnoy’s Harsh Post-NFL Take

Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady and Dave Portnoy (Image: X and Imagn)

Shaquille O’Neal has defended Tom Brady after Dave Portnoy criticized the 7-time Super Bowl champion’s post-NFL career. The former NBA star addressed Portnoy’s comments in an interview with Page Six published Thursday.

The Barstool Sports founder recently criticized Brady’s recent public appearances, calling his post-NFL career “cringey” and “lame.” Portnoy also accused Brady of becoming “lame-ified” after his interactions with Logan Paul and appearances at Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Fest in New York City.

O’Neal responded by defending Brady and criticizing Portnoy’s views.

Dave talks a lot. He’s one of those lucky guys who had a lot of success. So, he thinks his point of view is important. I’d be glad if somebody punches him in the face. And I hope it’s Tom (Brady). I try to be nice, (but) you can tell him I said that. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s doing it so well.

Shaquille O’Neal said via Page Six

Brady and O’Neal have been friends for years. After the 2025 Netflix special “Roast of Tom Brady,” O’Neal had Brady on his podcast and discussed the possibility that the former quarterback had been upset by the jokes made during the special. Brady reassured him that he enjoyed being the subject of jokes.

O’Neal and Portnoy have exchanged criticism before. In 2023, Portnoy called then-Louisiana State University basketball star Angel Reese “classless” on X. O’Neal responded to the comment with a personal insult directed at Portnoy.

However, Portnoy later said during a 2025 podcast episode that he and O’Neal had a cordial conversation about the stock market when they met at UFC 314 in Miami.

O’Neal spoke with Page Six while promoting his new true crime series, “Game Day Murders.” The series premieres July 27 at 10 p.m. ET on ID and will also stream on HBO Max.

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Tom Brady could potentially face Logan Paul at SummerSlam 2026

Tom Brady has also received support for a potential WWE match against Logan Paul following their confrontation at Fanatics Fest in New York City on July 17.

The incident went viral after Brady slapped Paul on stage at the event. The confrontation has since led to calls for a future match between the former NFL quarterback and the WWE star.

Logan Paul and Tom Brady
Logan Paul and Tom Brady (Image via IMAGO)

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently backed the idea of Brady entering the ring against Paul. Henry pointed to Brady’s long association with professional athletes and his growing presence in the entertainment industry while discussing the possibility of the matchup.

New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees has also supported the possibility of Brady and Paul facing each other in a match. Brady would not be the first major NFL figure to appear in WWE.

Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce competed at WrestleMania 40 in 2024, while Lawrence Taylor and Clay Matthews have also appeared in the professional wrestling circuit in the past.

Brady has remained active since retiring from the NFL and is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. A match against Paul has not been officially confirmed.

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