Tom Brady and Eli Manning ’s playful rivalry took center stage once again at Fanatics Fest 2025 in New York City, but it was a surprise “takedown” and fans’ reactions that stole the show. During a dramatic, WWE-style entrance at the Javits Center, the former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback mimicked pro wrestling star Cody Rhodes, stomping jerseys and hyping the crowd — until Eli Manning ambushed him with a piggyback-style “tackle” that sent fans into a frenzy.
Tom Brady’s heel act backfires as Eli Manning delivers a surprise stage ambush
Tom Brady made a show-stopping entrance to Cody Rhodes’ walkout music, tearing apart a New York Jets jersey and theatrically shredding Eli Manning’s Giants jersey in front of a raucous crowd. But as the moment reached peak drama, Manning entered the scene and jumped on Brady’s back, WWE-style, catching the NFL legend off guard and creating a viral moment that lit up social media.
Brady, who leaned fully into the “villain” role during the entrance, didn’t seem to expect the friendly ambush. The mock wrestling move not only drew laughs from the live audience but quickly became meme-worthy online.
Fans drag Gisele Bündchen into the moment
The unexpected moment wasn’t just about football legends reenacting a wrestling skit. It quickly turned into a social media spectacle, with fans calling on Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, to step in. One viral Reddit comment read, “Gisele get your ex-husband. She took jiu-jitsu classes,” referencing the model’s well-known training in martial arts following their 2022 divorce.
Bündchen’s background in jiu-jitsu became meme fodder as fans joked that she might be the only one capable of “saving” Brady from the Manning ambush. The banter brought Brady and Bündchen’s past relationship back into the spotlight, showing just how invested fans still are in their dynamic — even post-divorce.
The Fanatics Fest moment was far from the first time Brady and Manning have exchanged playful jabs. Earlier in the event, Brady had scrawled “F**k off” on a Giants jersey for Manning to sign. Manning responded in classic fashion, signing with a dry “Good game.”
Also Read: “Nothing protects me”: Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen breaks down emotionally in a disturbing police cam video
Even off the gridiron, their long-standing rivalry continues to entertain. From football to “futbol,” their banter — now with the internet’s help — keeps the legends as relevant as ever.
Tom Brady’s heel act backfires as Eli Manning delivers a surprise stage ambush
Tom Brady made a show-stopping entrance to Cody Rhodes’ walkout music, tearing apart a New York Jets jersey and theatrically shredding Eli Manning’s Giants jersey in front of a raucous crowd. But as the moment reached peak drama, Manning entered the scene and jumped on Brady’s back, WWE-style, catching the NFL legend off guard and creating a viral moment that lit up social media.
TOM BRADY CAME OUT TO CODY RHODES THEME SONG THEN GOT ATTACKED BY ELI MANNING 😭
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) June 20, 2025
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
(Fanatics Fest) pic.twitter.com/6e1r0jlAF1
Brady, who leaned fully into the “villain” role during the entrance, didn’t seem to expect the friendly ambush. The mock wrestling move not only drew laughs from the live audience but quickly became meme-worthy online.
Fans drag Gisele Bündchen into the moment
The unexpected moment wasn’t just about football legends reenacting a wrestling skit. It quickly turned into a social media spectacle, with fans calling on Brady’s ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, to step in. One viral Reddit comment read, “Gisele get your ex-husband. She took jiu-jitsu classes,” referencing the model’s well-known training in martial arts following their 2022 divorce.
Redditors react to Eli Manning "tackling" Tom Brady at the Fanatics event pic.twitter.com/oxgl5hvJqu
— NFL Tweets 2024 (@nfltweets2024) June 20, 2025
Bündchen’s background in jiu-jitsu became meme fodder as fans joked that she might be the only one capable of “saving” Brady from the Manning ambush. The banter brought Brady and Bündchen’s past relationship back into the spotlight, showing just how invested fans still are in their dynamic — even post-divorce.
The Fanatics Fest moment was far from the first time Brady and Manning have exchanged playful jabs. Earlier in the event, Brady had scrawled “F**k off” on a Giants jersey for Manning to sign. Manning responded in classic fashion, signing with a dry “Good game.”
Also Read: “Nothing protects me”: Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen breaks down emotionally in a disturbing police cam video
Even off the gridiron, their long-standing rivalry continues to entertain. From football to “futbol,” their banter — now with the internet’s help — keeps the legends as relevant as ever.
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