Overview

• During Fox's Sept. 21 broadcast of Bears vs. Cowboys, Brady described George Pickens' helmet slam by saying, "Those helmets can be... like a dog at home. Kick the dog, throw the helmet. Whatever it takes."
• The comment, delivered in the fourth quarter after a dropped pass, quickly circulated online with many viewers interpreting it as normalizing or admitting to animal abuse.
• PETA issued a public rebuke, urging Brady to avoid language that could encourage violence toward animals and noting that millions listen to his words.
• Some observers noted "kick the dog" can be an older metaphor for displaced anger, though critics argued Brady's specific reference to "the dog at home" was inappropriate.
• Brady's broadcast partner Kevin Burkhardt did not react on-air, pundits such as Skip Bayless questioned the remark, and as of Sept. 23 outlets reported Brady had not responded despite requests for comment.