Tom Brady is renowned for his football prowess, but off the field, the seven-time Super Bowl champion is also known for his generosity, particularly with friends like NBA analyst Charles Barkley.
In an appearance on the “SI Media Podcast With Jimmy Traina,” the “Inside the NBA” panelist revealed that Brady and Wayne Gretzky are among the “nicest GOATs” he’s encountered. Instead of discussing broadcasting advice for Brady, who is set to start his new career as FOX’s lead analyst in the 2024 NFL season, Barkley shared a memorable story from a golf outing.
“See this watch here? I’ve been offered $250,000 for it,” Barkley told Traina. “I was broadcasting one of The Matches, probably four or five years ago. I complimented Tom’s watch, which is worth a substantial amount. I said, ‘That’s a nice watch.’ He responded, ‘Thanks, Chuck,’ and we continued the broadcast for another few hours. Later, one of Tom’s friends approached me and said, ‘Tom is looking for you.’ I found Tom, and he told me, ‘Chuck, take my watch.’ I was stunned and said, ‘Tom, I was just complimenting it.’ But he insisted, ‘I appreciate the compliment,’ and handed me the watch. I’ve had collectors offer me $250,000 for it, but I wouldn’t sell it for any amount. That’s the kind of guy Tom is. He and Wayne Gretzky are two of the nicest, most humble guys I’ve ever met.”
Barkley initially resisted taking the watch, not wanting Brady to think he complimented it with ulterior motives. However, after Brady insisted a second time, Barkley accepted.
The two have been friends for a while, raising the question of whether Barkley will be among the “special guests” at Gillette Stadium on June 12 when Brady is inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.