NFL legend Tom Brady may be retired, but his reflections on the game continue to stir headlines. In a recent appearance on the Impaulsive podcast hosted by Logan Paul, Brady opened up about the defenders who made him most nervous—and two former Detroit Lions players made the cut.
Tom Brady Afraid of Lions Defenders: Suh and Ngata Named Among NFL’s Most Intimidating
Brady, widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time, cited feared names like Ray Lewis, Aaron Donald, and JJ Watt. But surprisingly, he also mentioned Ndamukong Suh and Haloti Ngata—two defenders with Detroit Lions ties—as players he was particularly wary of taking hits from.
Ndamukong Suh: Lions’ Hitman Who Rattled Brady
It’s no shock Suh landed on Brady’s fear list. Known for his power and aggression, Suh developed a reputation early in his career with Detroit as one of the NFL’s most punishing defensive linemen.
- Suh sacked Brady just once during his time in Detroit.
- He added two QB hits in those matchups.
- After moving to Miami, Suh again sacked Brady only once but racked up several more hits.
Even without gaudy sack numbers, Suh’s consistent pressure left an impression on Brady.
Haloti Ngata: Lions Tenure Didn’t Stop Him From Haunting Brady
Although Ngata never faced Brady while wearing Honolulu Blue, he tangled with the QB plenty during his Baltimore Ravens years. Ngata’s size, strength, and relentless motor caused consistent disruption against the Patriots, and Brady took notice.
Ngata joined the Lions later in his career, but his fear factor clearly stuck with Brady.
Fun Fact: The Lions Defender Who Sacked Brady Most Wasn’t Suh or Ngata
While Suh and Ngata scared Brady, the Lions defender with the most sacks against him was Eli Harold, who dropped Brady twice during the Lions’ 2018 upset over the New England Patriots. That win marked one of the few highlights of the Matt Patricia coaching era in Detroit.
Tom Brady Afraid of Lions Defenders: A Testament to Detroit’s Defensive Legacy
The revelation that Tom Brady was afraid of Lions defenders adds a layer of pride to Detroit’s defensive reputation. Despite the franchise’s struggles, it has fielded some of the NFL’s most intimidating linemen over the years.
FAQ: Tom Brady Afraid of Lions Defenders
Did Tom Brady actually say he was afraid of Lions players?
Yes. On the Impaulsive podcast, Brady specifically named Suh and Ngata as defenders he feared being hit by.
How many times did Suh sack Brady?
Suh sacked Brady once as a Lion and once as a Dolphin.
Did Haloti Ngata ever sack Brady?
While stats vary, Ngata did face Brady multiple times as a Raven and got his fair share of hits on him, even though he never played against Brady as a Lion.
Who sacked Brady the most while on the Lions?
Eli Harold sacked Brady twice in one game during Detroit’s 2018 win over New England.
Why does this matter now?
Brady’s comments highlight the lasting impact of elite defenders—especially from teams not typically in the spotlight like the Lions.
