Tom Brady’s Practice Squad Theory Gets Challenged by Broncos WR

Lil'Jordan Humphrey took issue with Tom Brady implying that practice squad players lose the ambition to achieve more in their life.

Tom Brady’s Practice Squad Theory Gets Challenged by Broncos WR

Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Tom Brady (Image via IMAGO)

Lil’Jordan Humphrey knows a thing or two about fighting to stay relevant as a practice squad member on an NFL team. So, when Tom Brady stated that practice squad players lose the ambition to dream big and stay content being part of the team, Humphrey called out the seven-time Super Bowl champion on Twitter/X.

Speaking to former heavyweight champion and Olympian Daniel Cormier on Champion Mindset, Brady shared his observation about practice squad players. During his 20+ years in the league, Brady saw a spark in several practice squad players, but whenever the chance arrived, they failed to cement their place in the starting roster.

Over time, Brady realized that those players are just happy to be part of the team, earn the bare minimum, and boast to their friends and family members.

What I realized was [that] a lot of guys on those practice squads, they don’t want to be elevated to the roster. They’re very happy living this life where they could tell their family and friends, which I have no problem with that. But the reality is a lot of guys don’t want the pressure of dealing with top.

Tom Brady revealed

Brady’s answer didn’t sit well with Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The 28-year-old Denver Broncos wideout said that he hasn’t met a player who is satisfied with staying a practice squad player their entire career.

Haven’t met one person who is okay with just being on the Psquad.

Humphrey tweeted

Humphrey went undrafted in 2019 despite catching 86 passes for 1176 yards and 9 touchdowns in his final season with the Texas Longhorns. He signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. From then on, he spent time on the rosters of the Patriots, Broncos, and Giants.

He was either waived or released by every team he has been part of. Last year, he started on the Giants roster and finished it as part of the Broncos.

RELATED
Geno Smith Calls Jets Return a ‘Superhero Movie’ Opportunity

The Broncos rewarded Lil’Jordan Humphrey

Humphrey made seven appearances, mainly as WR4 for the Broncos in 2025. He caught 9 passes for 101 yards and scored one touchdown.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Tom Brady's Practice Squad Theory Gets Challenged by Broncos WR
Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Image via IMAGO)

In three years with the club, Humphrey has accumulated a total of 53 catches for 556 yards and has scored 5 touchdowns. Given that he has been a solid servant of the club, the front office rewarded him with a one-year contract extension worth $1.48 million.

A long-time favorite of head coach Sean Payton, dating back to their days with the Saints. At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Payton sang praises of his wide receiver group.

We’re always trying to improve our team. We’ve invested, and we’ve seen good growth at receiver with guys we’ve drafted. Three of these guys, [WR] Troy [Franklin], [WR] Marvin [Mims Jr.] as well as [WR] Pat [Bryant]. So, we’ll keep going.

Payton said

Analyst fears the worst for Lil’Jordan Humphrey

The Broncos already boasted a stacked wide receiver room. Then they broke the bank by trading for Pro Bowl wideout Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. With so many top-quality receivers on the team, the least talented one might end up becoming a casualty. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider believes that’s Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

[Jaylen Waddle is a] significant upgrade for Denver, which needed another productive, crisp-route-running weapon for [Bo] Nix. Humphrey has played no fewer than 36 percent of Denver’s snaps while on the team’s roster the past three seasons, which included nine games in 2025. One way or another, he figures to be in the mix.

Kosmider wrote

Humphrey must prove himself to lock down a roster spot. It will be tough, but not impossible.

Also Read: