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Could Tom Brady End Up Being Donald Trump’s Secret Weapon? GOP Nominee Wants The Patriots Quarterback To Speak At Republican National Convention

By Nathan Francis
Published on: 03:20 PST, Jun 12, 2016

Donald Trump may be aiming for the support of one of the most successful athletes of our day, with the GOP nominee publicly asking Tom Brady to speak at this summer’s Republican National Convention.

At a rally in Richmond this weekend, Trump said he wants to put together a “winner’s evening” at the convention this summer and believes Brady would be the perfect fit. The New England Patriots All-Pro is one of the most winning quarterbacks in NFL history, and has publicly shown his support of Donald Trump.

“We’re going to do it a little different, if it’s okay,” Trump told the crowd (via the New York Times). “I’m thinking about getting some of the great sports people who like me a lot.”

Trump noted some others from the world of sports who could be involved, all of whom have publicly backed him. As the New York Times report noted, they stretch across different sports.

“According to the candidate, he also has the support of star quarterbacks Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger; Brian France, the chief executive of Nascar; and Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.”

Tom Brady has been seen wearing Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” red hat and has referred to the real estate mogul as a friend. Trump has connections across the world of football, and in 2014 even reached the end of the bidding process to purchase the Buffalo Bills before being topped by Terry Pegula. Trump maintains a friendship with Bills legend Jim Kelly and during a campaign trip to Buffalo was introduced on stage by current Bills coach Rex Ryan.

Getting Tom Brady to actually show up and speak in favor of Donald Trump could be a long shot, however. While Brady has been known to share his political leanings from time to time, he has never openly campaigned for a candidate and it seems unlikely that he would do so for the polarizing Trump. Brady also has significant endorsement deals, and athletes with so much money on the line are often hesitant to risk that by taking political stances.

Tom Brady has also taken criticism for his open support of Donald Trump. Back in March, when both Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft voiced their support of Trump, they were met with a backlash from fans.

“I don’t think they’re in tune with what’s going on,” fan Eugene Huffman said (via Fox Sports). “And Brady, I don’t like him anymore now. With him voting for Donald Trump, he’s got to be out of his mind. I also care for Kraft and I don’t understand what Kraft’s doing. I think that’s ridiculous and I don’t think that they’re in tune with what’s going on.”

Trump may actually have a difficult time getting many to speak in favor of him at the Republican National Convention. A number of big-name Republicans remain opposed to Trump’s presidential bid, including 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, who has been actively leading efforts to oppose the real estate mogul.

If Donald Trump were to able somehow talk Tom Brady into speaking at this summer’s convention, it may not be the boost he was hoping for. Brady remains one of the most disliked quarterbacks in fan surveys, not uncommon for a quarterback who consistently beats up the rest of the league during his team’s now 15-year run of excellence. Brady also remains embroiled in the Deflategate scandal and will start the season with a four-game suspension for his role in deflating balls to below league-mandated pressure.

[Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images]

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