A years-old statement of admiration from NFL wide receiver Braxton Berrios for legendary quarterback Tom Brady has suddenly found new life on social media. This resurgence comes hot on the heels of Brady being spotted with Berrios' former girlfriend, social media influencer Alix Earle, sparking a unique blend of sports respect and personal drama.
The Viral Quote: Berrios' "PhD in Football" from Brady
The comment in question dates back to Berrios' rookie year in the NFL. During the 2018 season, he was a member of the New England Patriots, sharing the practice field with the iconic Tom Brady. Last summer, while speaking on Texans radio after signing a one-year, $2 million deal with the Houston Texans, Berrios reflected on that formative period.
He described how Brady's professionalism set the standard. "To see what professionalism really looks like from a rookie year was the best start I could have had," Berrios stated. He revealed that Brady would frequently pause drills to offer insights, explaining his thought process and what he was observing on the field. "He would say, 'This is what I'm seeing and this is what I'm thinking.' That helped me understand the game better," Berrios added. He summed up the experience powerfully, saying, "That year, I really think I got a PhD in football just watching him."
Off-Field Connections Fuel the Viral Fire
This heartfelt praise began recirculating widely this week for reasons beyond football. The trigger was viral footage from a New Year's Eve yacht party in St. Barths, where Tom Brady and Alix Earle were seen together. Earle had publicly confirmed her split from Braxton Berrios in December 2025 after two years of dating, citing distance as a factor and calling him her "best friend."
Tom Brady, who finalized his divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen in October 2022, has remained single since. The sighting with Earle, combined with the re-emergence of Berrios' deferential comments, created a perfect storm for online discussion. Fans quickly connected the dots, merging the past professional relationship with the present personal intrigue. Neither Brady nor Earle has commented on the videos.
Where Are They Now? Football Focus Amid the Buzz
Amid the social media chatter, both individuals remain focused on their professional commitments. Tom Brady is two years into his monumental 10-year, $375 million broadcasting contract with Fox. He is scheduled to be in Chicago this Sunday to call the Bears vs. Lions game.
On the field, Braxton Berrios' current team, the Houston Texans, have already secured a playoff spot under head coach DeMeco Ryans. While Berrios has had limited offensive touches this season, he is still considered a part of Houston's strategy for the postseason. The renewed attention highlights the often-intertwined worlds of professional sports legacies and personal lives, where old stories gain new context with current events.
