It’s been quite some time since Tom Brady’s New England Patriots forged a fierce NFL rivalry with the Indianapolis Colts. However, fans at Indianapolis Motor Speedway surely haven’t forgotten.
For the first time, FOX broadcast the Indianapolis 500. In hopes of bringing more attention to the racing spectacle, the network invited Brady and other stars from the network’s NFL team.
Before the race, Brady was introduced on the stage alongside Michael Strahan and Jimmie Johnson. The seven-time Super Bowl champion waved as fans showered him with boos.
Hear the boos when Tom Brady was announced at the Indianapolis 500! pic.twitter.com/hgyKSNYmP1
— 1075 The Fan (@1075thefan) May 25, 2025
Brady later occupied the “Fastest Seat in Sports” when riding along for a lap driven by Johnson. Fans continued to jeer the 47-year-old.
Getting the fans fired up!@TomBrady gets an ovation at #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/2xFYUDnH5E
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 25, 2025
Despite the icy reception, Brady enjoyed his experience at the Indy 500.
“This is incredible,” Brady told FOX during his ride. “Jimmie driving, all the fans here, I can’t believe this is the first time I’ve ever been here.”
Time clearly doesn’t heal all wounds. Including the playoffs, Brady boasted a 16-4 career record against the Colts. His Patriots eliminated Indianapolis from four postseasons.
In 2001, the Patriots defeated the Colts in the AFC Championship Game before winning their second straight Super Bowl. The Colts at least returned the favor six years later, punching their ticket to the only Super Bowl of the Manning era with a 38-34 home victory.
In 15 regular-season encounters with the Colts, Brady tossed 33 touchdowns with a 101.4 passer rating. He and Manning shared one of the era’s top sports feuds, even if it often felt a bit one-sided.
Curiously, Rob Gronkowski wasn’t met with the same frostiness from fans during a pre-race party at the Snake Pit. That’s despite Brady’s former teammate trash-talking the hometown team.
“I feel like I’m at home because I absolutely own the Colts,” Gronkowski declared.
Brady saw Alex Palou win his first Indy 500. The three-time IndyCar champion received more fan support than Brady as he celebrated Sunday’s victory.
This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.
