Sophie Cunningham is no stranger to the spotlight. As one of the WNBA’s most fiery and competitive players, the Phoenix Mercury guard has built a reputation for speaking her mind both on and off the court. But this week, she made headlines for a completely different reason — her candid comments about NFL legend Tom Brady and his much-discussed dating life.

Brady, who retired from the NFL in 2023 after a record-breaking career that spanned over two decades, has remained as much a fixture in celebrity news as he was on the football field. Since stepping away from the game, the seven-time Super Bowl champion has been linked to a string of high-profile relationships, keeping his name in entertainment columns almost as often as sports pages.

For some, this constant attention has been nothing more than lighthearted celebrity gossip. But for Cunningham, it sparked an honest reaction that she didn’t shy away from sharing. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, she was asked about Brady’s post-retirement lifestyle — particularly his rumored romances.

“I mean, look, he’s Tom Brady,” Cunningham said with a laugh. “He’s earned the right to live however he wants. But it’s wild how much people are invested in who he’s dating instead of what he’s accomplished.”

Cunningham went on to acknowledge the irony of the situation. “He’s literally one of the greatest athletes of all time. He’s changed the game for quarterbacks, inspired a generation, and yet half the time the headlines are about who he’s spotted having dinner with. It’s funny, but also kind of sad that we focus on that more than his actual legacy.”

Her remarks quickly began circulating online, sparking debates among fans. Some agreed with her perspective, saying it’s a shame that the private lives of athletes often overshadow their professional achievements. Others pointed out that, given Brady’s status as a global icon, public fascination with his personal life is inevitable.

Brady himself has not responded to Cunningham’s comments, and there’s no indication that he takes the coverage too seriously.

Those close to him have long said that he understands his celebrity status comes with scrutiny, and that he’s learned to take it in stride.

Still, Cunningham’s willingness to speak openly about the subject resonated with many. Her words struck a chord not just because they addressed Brady, but because they highlighted a larger conversation about how society treats public figures — especially athletes — in the age of social media and 24/7 news cycles.

In an era where a single photograph can set off days of speculation, Brady’s dating life has become a recurring headline, regardless of whether there’s any confirmation behind the rumors.

Cunningham’s take served as a reminder that behind the glossy pictures and viral posts, there are real people with real legacies that deserve more than just tabloid attention.

By the end of the podcast, Cunningham circled back to what she felt mattered most: respect. “You don’t have to like every decision he makes in his personal life, but you can’t deny what he’s done for the sport. That’s the part we should never lose sight of.”

Her comments may not stop the media frenzy surrounding Brady’s relationships, but they have added a thoughtful voice to the discussion — one that invites fans to look beyond the gossip and appreciate the accomplishments that made him a household name in the first place.