5 Shocking Times Tom Brady Almost Became A New York Jet And The Devastating Aftermath

The enduring saga of Tom Brady and the New York Jets is one of the NFL's most painful and persistent "what-if" stories, a narrative that has haunted Gang Green for over two decades. As of December 2025, the rivalry remains as potent as ever, with Brady continuing to use his platform—even in retirement—to deliver sharp, pointed jabs at the organization he dominated for so long. The true depth of the Jets' misfortune, however, lies in the shocking number of times they were agonizingly close to securing the greatest quarterback of all time.

This article dives deep into the five crucial moments—from draft day blunders to high-stakes free agency decisions and post-retirement speculation—that cemented the Patriots-Jets rivalry and defined the AFC East landscape for a generation. The mere thought of a Brady-led Jets team is a fan's nightmare, but the reality is that it was closer to happening than most realize, a narrative recently reignited by Brady’s public commentary on the team's culture and his dominant 31-8 record against them.

Tom Brady: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in National Football League (NFL) history. His career is defined by unprecedented longevity, success, and a record-breaking number of championships.

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• Full Name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.
• Born: August 3, 1977 (Age 48 as of December 2025)
• Hometown: San Mateo, California
• College: University of Michigan
• NFL Draft: 2000, Round 6, Pick 199 (New England Patriots)
• Primary Teams: New England Patriots (2000–2019), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022)
• Retirement: Announced "for good" in February 2023.
• Super Bowl Wins: 7 (NFL Record)
• Super Bowl MVP: 5 (NFL Record)
• NFL MVP: 3 (2007, 2010, 2017)
• Career Record vs. New York Jets: 31 wins, 8 losses (Regular Season and Playoffs)
• Current Role: Minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports (starting 2024/2025 season).

The Ultimate 'What If': The 2000 NFL Draft Near-Miss

The first and arguably most devastating near-miss occurred during the 2000 NFL Draft. The New York Jets had multiple opportunities to select the future legend, and history shows they were closer than any other team to pulling the trigger.

1. The Scout Who Begged Bill Parcells

A key moment revolves around former Jets scout Jesse Kaye. Reports confirm that Kaye was a staunch advocate for drafting Brady, repeatedly urging then-General Manager Bill Parcells to take the University of Michigan quarterback. Kaye saw something special in Brady’s tape and interview process that the rest of the league missed.

2. Missing the Pick Six Times

The Jets held six different draft picks between the 6th round where Brady was taken (199th overall by the Patriots) and their previous selection. They, along with 30 other teams, passed on him six times. The Jets used their fourth-round pick on defensive end Shaun Ellis, their fifth on tight end Anthony Becht, and their sixth on running back James Johnson—all serviceable players, but none came close to the player Brady became.

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3. The Quarterback Draft Strategy

The Jets' focus was elsewhere. They had recently traded for veteran quarterback Vinny Testaverde and drafted Chad Pennington in the first round the year prior (1999). This perceived stability at the position meant they prioritized other needs, tragically overlooking the man who would become their most dominant rival for the next two decades. The decision is now a legendary cautionary tale in NFL scouting.

The 2020 Free Agency Decision: Why the Jets Were Snubbed

Two decades later, the Jets had a second, more tangible chance to acquire Brady. When the legendary quarterback finally left the New England Patriots in 2020, he was a free agent, and the New York market was a possibility, albeit a slim one.

4. The Confirmed Contender Status

In the lead-up to his decision, Brady confirmed that the Jets were, in fact, a serious contender to sign him. This revelation stunned many, as the prevailing narrative focused on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Chargers. Brady was exploring all his options, and the idea of staying in the AFC East to directly compete against Bill Belichick and the Patriots held a certain appeal.

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5. Choosing Tampa Bay's "Better Situation"

Ultimately, Brady chose the Buccaneers, citing a "better situation" and a clearer path to immediate contention. The Jets, at the time, were coming off a disappointing season under Adam Gase, and their roster lacked the offensive firepower and defensive stability that Tampa Bay offered. The decision was a pragmatic one: Brady wanted to win immediately, and the Jets organization could not offer the same level of readiness, leading to the ultimate snub that sent him to the NFC. This choice led to Brady winning his seventh Super Bowl in his first season with the Buccaneers.

A Perpetual Rivalry: Brady's 31-8 Record and Ongoing Roasts

The failure to draft or sign Brady resulted in a two-decade-long period of dominance for the Patriots and consistent heartbreak for the Jets. Brady's record against the organization is staggering, and his public comments show no signs of letting up, even in his post-playing career.

The Dominance of the AFC East

During his tenure with the Patriots, Brady was 31-8 against the Jets, the second-most wins he had against any single opponent (only the Bills suffered more). This lopsided record was the foundation of the AFC East's hierarchy, where the Jets were consistently unable to get past the Patriots when it mattered most, regardless of who was coaching (from Bill Parcells to Rex Ryan).

The Statue Ceremony Dig (August 2025 Update)

The rivalry was brought into the current spotlight in August 2025 during the unveiling of Brady's statue at Gillette Stadium. Speaking to the crowd, Brady couldn't resist delivering a fresh roast to Jets fans, highlighting his sustained dominance. This recent commentary confirms that the Jets remain his favorite target, a symbol of the team he "owned" throughout his career.

The Aaron Rodgers and Retirement Speculation

The "Brady to the Jets" rumors briefly resurfaced following the season-ending injury to Aaron Rodgers. The possibility of Brady un-retiring to save the Jets' season created a media frenzy, but Brady quickly shut down the speculation, confirming his retirement was final. The irony is that the Jets, after suffering under Brady for so long, were now desperate enough to wish for his return in a green and white jersey. Furthermore, some analysts are now floating the idea of a Brady-Rodgers team-up in a potential minority ownership role, adding a bizarre new layer to the rivalry's narrative.

The "Owning the Color Green" Comment

Brady’s most recent and cutting comments often focus on his superiority over the organization. When asked if he would ever consider owning the Jets, Brady’s response was a classic dig: "Oh no, I don't need the Jets. I'll just own the color green. I think that's a little bit better." This perfectly encapsulates the level of derision and control he held over the franchise for over two decades.

In summary, the history of Tom Brady and the New York Jets is a fascinating, yet devastating, study in missed opportunity. From the near-misses of the 2000 NFL Draft to the free agency snub of 2020, and the ongoing public humiliation, the Jets' failure to acquire Brady is the single greatest organizational blunder that defined their modern era. The rivalry's legacy continues to evolve, but the core truth remains: the greatest quarterback of all time was almost a Jet, and the consequences of that failure are still felt profoundly today.