NFL legend draws the attention of NBA fans as he names some of the greatest athletes of all time, but surprisingly leaves out one major name from the world of basketball. Former American football quarterback and current sports broadcaster for the NFL, Tom Brady, in his recent interview, listed out the names of the athletes who are on his Mount Rushmore of GOATs. While players like Kobe Bryant and Caitlin Clark made it to the list, the absence of LeBron James from the list is what drew the attention of the fans.

Tom Brady announces Michael Jordan on the top of the list, supports other woman NBA players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson

Tom Brady and LeBron James developed their friendship over the years as both athletes concentrated on establishing their careers in their respective sports. Even though they cannot be termed as the closest of friends, the players share a warm relationship through their posts on social media. Often, both of them are seen congratulating each other on any major achievements secured by either one of them.

While fans have witnessed the sportsmanship from both sides, Brady’s recent revelation of his Mount Rushmore of GOATs has generated significant reaction from the fans of the NBA veteran. More so with the inclusion of newcomers like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, fans seem to be quite dissatisfied with the NFL veteran list.

In a recent interview, when asked about the list of GOATs, Brady instantly replied, “Michael Jordan, he was my childhood idol. Obviously, I loved Kobe Bryant. Still love Kobe Bryant. Tiger — his competitiveness. What Rory McIlroy has done; I love that.” The veteran went on to name athletes from other sports as well, “Shohei Ohtani, what he has done, has been unbelievable. Barry Bonds — he went to my high school. I was the biggest fan of his growing up. Michael Phelps, I love him. Michael Johnson. A’ja Wilson from my Las Vegas Aces. I love her. She’s amazing. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this little thing that they got going. I love that.”

It is quite clear from his answer that Brady has placed Michael Jordan as the GOAT over LeBron James, which has been the centre of the GOAT debate within the NBA for a very long time now.

LeBron fans have spoken up on the list with one of the users writing, “tom brady putting caitlin and angel on his mount rushmore but not lebron is the most dadcore thing i’ve ever seen”

Another one wrote, “Lol pathetic”

“tom brady just picked jordan over lebron and put caitlin clark on his mount rushmore… y’all still calling him a system qb?”

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With Brady announcing his list, another sports veteran has seemingly submitted his vote for the NBA GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Having Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the list as well has drawn criticism from the fans across the social media platforms.

It’s no secret that Tom Brady is a multitasker; the seven-time Super Bowl champion is a minority shareholder of the Las Vegas Raiders and just launched a new organic, vegan gummies label. And Tom Brady naturally appreciates other perfectionists in sports and recently spoke about his favourite athletes.

When Brady was asked about his Mount Rushmore of GOATS, i.e. his pick of the best athletes, he listed several icons from different sports. But what caught his fans’ attention was that he omitted a big name who is not just an NBA icon but also a friend.

Who is a part of Tom Brady’s Mt Rushmore of GOATs?

Tom Brady listed Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Shohei Ohtani, and a few other sports legends. Breaking down his picks, Brady said, “Michael Jordan, he was my childhood idol. Obviously, I loved Kobe Bryant,” he added. “Still love Kobe Bryant.”

“Tiger — his competitiveness. What Rory McIlroy has done; I love that. Shohei Ohtani, what he has done, has been unbelievable. Barry Bonds — he went to my high school. I was the biggest fan of his growing up. Michael Phelps, I love him. Michael Johnson. A’ja Wilson from my Las Vegas Aces. I love her. She’s amazing,” he said.

But Tom Brady notable left out LeBron James from the list, which is surprising considering Brady has praised James in the past and LeBron has also admitted to being friends with him.

Fans were quick to point out that Brady’s omission of LeBron’s name was surprising. But Tom Brady won brownie points for mentioning two young icons who have been engaged in something interesting.

These two stars are Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, whose “rivalry” has been one of the most talked-about storylines in women’s basketball. During the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, Caitlin Clark (Iowa Hawkeyes) had a record-breaking tournament run while Angel Reese (LSU Tigers) led her team to victory and was able to match Clark’s drive and intensity.

Reese famously did the “you can’t see me” gesture and pointed to her ring finger during the championship game, which drew some flak and led to broader discussions on how Black female athletes are portrayed versus white athletes.

And Tom Brady mentioned their dynamic during his interview. “Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this little thing they got going, I love that. It’s been really exciting,” he noted. Tom Brady has in the past cheered on Caitlin Clark and has also rooted for emerging female athletes, which impressed fans.

In another recent interview Tom Brady opened up about the common stereotypes he has been associated with. The interviewer asked him how Brady has often referred to himself as “hyper competitive” and “a psychopath” and whether he approaches business the same way.

Brady responded, “Actually, no. That’s what I need help with. And that’s why I have business partners who are psychopaths. They cross every t and dot the i’s. I approached football in a very different way — I was into the nuances of the sport I understood so well. And I’m realizing that in business, those details are what matter, too. Especially against tough competition.”

He further added, “Partnering with great people in the end is what matters the most. You’ve got to bet on people who have vision, experience, a great work ethic, and great teamwork. And you know that in business, just like sports, things don’t always go your way. So you’re always going to have to figure out ways to overcome adversity and beat the competition.”