Tom Brady is the league’s most decorated star. But before the QB established himself as the most accomplished player, another legend thought he held that title. After winning four Super Bowl titles in sixteen seasons, Joe Montana was lauded as one of the greatest. But, Brady currently holds the most silverware in the league, so he automatically surpassed Montana’s standing.

But how does the latter feel about TB12’s rise to the top? Here’s what someone who spent a considerable amount of time with the legend had to say.

NFL legend Joe Montana is reportedly envious of Tom Brady

Recently, Wright Thompson was featured on ‘The Dan Patrick Show.’ Thompson, who is known for his extensive features on athletes, recently wrote about Joe Montana and had the opportunity to interview him.

Story: #49ers legend Joe Montana “Hates” that Tom Brady passed him as the GOAT.

Montana is: “Jealous someone else lives the life that got ripped from him.”

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 10, 2023

Dan Patrick asked the writer about Montana’s feelings toward Brady’s meteoric rise to the top. In response, Thompson had a very straightforward response. According to him, the legendary 49ers star “hates” that TB12 surpassed his legacy.

“They’re Both Amazing but…” – Veronika Rajek Differs From Tom Brady in Biggest Unsolved Debate on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Thompson added, “He’s less jealous of the rings, then he is of the fact he gets to watch someone else gets to live his life that got ripped from him.” With seven Super Bowl titles to his name, Tom Brady is going to hold on to the title of being the most accomplished QB for the foreseeable future. Here’s what fans had to say about Montana’s reported statements.

Fans jump in to defend Brady

The NFL world made their thoughts known without holding back. Tom Brad as the ‘GOAT’ is a contested topic as is. But fans surprisingly came to Brady’s defense. This puzzled user asked-

Another fan strongly stated

Who’s gonna tell bro that he’s not even in the top 5?

— Reesey (@_reeseyarbrough) February 10, 2023

This user didn’t hold back from saying

Montana was never the goat that long. He was never on Manning’s level or Brady’s level. He just won 4 rings. Team accomplishment

— Malik.R (@Ruffbuff1716) February 10, 2023

Another fan disbelievingly stated

One fan wrote

Brady has showcased dominance for over two decades. As the most accomplished player in the quarterback position, TB12 has proven his excellence time and again. But now, his recent retirement put an end to his quest for another title. It’s not easy to award someone the title of  ‘Greatest of All Time.’ The intricacies are too many. While Montana may not actually harbor ill feelings toward the QB, the nature of the game itself calls for the usurping of previous records. Change is inevitable. How long would it take for someone to break Brady’s record? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: Gisele Bundchen’s ex Kelly Slater says Floridians rejoice Tom Brady’s brilliant double exit from football