Super Bowl Opening Night 2021: Best Moments and Twitter Reaction from Media Day

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistFebruary 1, 2021

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Like just about everything else in the past year, the NFL's media day on Monday ahead of Super Bowl LV had a different feel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the event was held entirely remote and digital, something Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady pointed out during his availability:

Tom Brady @TomBrady
This year’s a little different than the others... https://t.co/htZ351fFwU https://t.co/QwWQu9bBjT

Ben Volin @BenVolin
Biggest difference for Tom Brady this Super Bowl compared to the previous nine? "Don't have to eat hotel food for a week." https://t.co/r9iv66zR71

Lindsay Jones @bylindsayhjones
Brady said the football preparation for this Super Bowl is easier than his previous nine (!!) Super Bowls. His family is out of town, so he has an empty house, no traveling. Easier to focus on game prep.

The 43-year-old provided one of the first memorable moments of the event, saying he could "definitely" see himself paying beyond the age of 45:

Sporting News @sportingnews
Tom Brady was asked if he'd be willing to play to beyond 45 years old. His response? "Definitely." https://t.co/M2xwFRofar

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN
From pal @doug_clawson: The average retirement age for Hall of Fame quarterbacks is 38 years old. If Tom Brady had retired at 38, he’d be up for election in the Hall of Fame on Saturday. Instead, he’s made 4 Super Bowls and won 2 since. That’s a Hall of Fame career in itself.

Ben Volin @BenVolin
Brady is signed through next year at age 44. Is there any doubt he's going to sign another 2-year contract after that? https://t.co/UPRppxBFl5

Hey, after throwing for 40 touchdown passes this season, why stop anytime soon?

One of the biggest storylines of this year's matchup is Brady—widely considered the greatest NFL quarterback of all time—facing off against Patrick Mahomes, the heir apparent. The two quarterbacks were a major talking point Monday, as was to be expected:

NFL @NFL
"He's only elevated [since 2018]." @TomBrady raves about the start to @PatrickMahomes' career. #SBLV #SBOpeningNight https://t.co/60HHAHSL2H

NFL @NFL
"I'm trying to get to that level." @PatrickMahomes has 🐐 level respect for @TomBrady. #SBLV 📱: #SBOpeningNight LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/KRnNYE4Bma

NFL @NFL
Even @RobGronkowski's mom loves the GOAT and Baby GOAT memes. 🤣 @TomBrady | @PatrickMahomes 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/4BvyelEzPU

Brady and Rob Gronkowski are no strangers to media day. Brady has played in nine Super Bowls, winning six. Gronk has played in four, winning two.

Both were asked about their relationship with their former head coach in New England, Bill Belichick. They gave slightly different responses:

Doug Kyed @DougKyed
Brady on his message to Belichick: "I have a great relationship with him. I'm just incredibly grateful for what he's meant in my life as a coach. He's everything you could ask for as a player."

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Joey Knight @TBTimes_Bulls
#Gronk was just asked about his post-New England relationship with Bill Belichick: "I've always had a great relationship with Bill. But ever since I got to the Bucs, there hasn't been any contact at all."

Speaking of head coaches, the game's both spoke during Monday's event, with Andy Reid offering some insight into his stressed-out strategy and a potential postgame meal, while Bruce Arians spoke about his diverse coaching staff:

NFL @NFL
“If in doubt, go deep.” 😂 Andy Reid answers a question from @nflplay60 Super Kid Amaya Brannon! #SBLV 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/cPrVJfbytT

NFL @NFL
“In the event of a #SBLV win, is there another cheeseburger waiting for you?” Andy Reid: 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/sKjzWZazXC

NFL @NFL
“It was time for that door to be knocked down.” @Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians on hiring a diverse staff of assistant coaches. 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/QEOFUnEOgC

The two tight ends in the game, Gronk and Kansas City's Travis Kelce, also were a highlight, praising one another while Gronk fibbed on himself when discussing his preseason training regimen:

Vic Tafur @VicTafur
A lot of love for Gronk on @tkelce's Super Bowl Zoom: "His dominance fueled me." Said he picked up how to use tempo on routes from Gronkowski. #SuperBowl

NFL @NFL
"He has helped transform the tight end position." @RobGronkowski has a ton of respect for @tkelce. 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/TjOzY6VPKn

SportsCenter @SportsCenter
During offseason workouts, Gronk would spend a day recording himself running sprints in different shirts. Then he sent in the videos on different days. Legendary finesse 🧠 (via @thecheckdown) https://t.co/xZ2hKuACmT

Oh, and if you think the Scotty Miller vs. Tyreek Hill race didn't come up after Miller said he thought he was faster, well...

NFL @NFL
Could Scotty Miller outrace a @Cheetah? "Maybe we can (race) at halftime." #SBLV 📱: #SBOpeningNight — LIVE on Twitter https://t.co/7kRztrqqiK

All in all, another fun media day in the books. With two explosive offenses, elite quarterbacks and innovative head coaches, it should be a fantastic game as well.

It will also be a far different experience, with fewer fans in attendance because of the pandemic. But hey, that's life in early 2021.