{
  "id": 1512101,
  "title": "Tom Brady calls out NFL players for resting during preseason",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/tom-brady-calls-out-nfl-players-for-resting-during-preseason",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T16:08:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tom-brady-calls-nfl-players-160836623.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tom Brady has ignited conversation about NFL preseason participation by criticizing players who choose to skip exhibition games. A seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady made his stance known on Instagram, referencing a 2010 preseason game where he played through to the end. \"Preseason… Regular season… I never wanted to be taken off the field,\" he wrote, emphasizing the importance of practice. \"Practice makes perfect,\" Brady added. He urged players to fully commit to football during the season. Brady's comments come as many NFL teams are safeguarding their key players during August games, with coaches reducing the number of starters due to the potential impact of a single preseason injury on the entire season. Aaron Rodgers, for example, recently minimized the significance of preseason games, stating, \"It's preseason, it's not real football.\" Brady's old-school approach contrasts with the modern NFL strategy, which prioritizes risk management and protects high-value players. Teams invest heavily in quarterbacks and other stars, making preseason injuries a significant concern. Consequently, the decision to field players during preseason largely depends on the player's role. Established starters may not gain much from preseason snaps, while younger players need those opportunities to secure roster spots. Coaches often distribute preseason workloads between established players and those vying for positions. Despite differing viewpoints, Brady's argument remains relevant, as game repetitions and chemistry building are crucial for success. However, modern roster construction makes every snap a calculated decision, balancing preparation with player protection. Brady's message seems to fuel the ongoing debate over preseason football, but he remains firm on the importance of preparation.",
  "summary": "Tom Brady shared a strong view on how players should approach preseason football.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Tom Brady unloads on NFL stars skipping preseason and has receipts to back it up",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/tom-brady-unloads-on-nfl-stars-skipping-preseason-and-has-receipts-to",
        "published": "2026-08-17T17:27:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}