Former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Kerry Hyder Jr. has weighed in on a debate surrounding comments from Tom Brady. The comments were made by the former New England Patriots quarterback regarding the practice-squad players.

In a recent interview with former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Brady went on to suggest that many practice-squad players were content staying where they were, collecting a paycheck while being able to say they were part of an NFL organization. Hyder could no longer resist defending himself and other practice-squad players.

“That’s not true," the former Lions defender wrote on X on May 29, arguing that practice squad players faced immense pressure every day. "As a former practice squad player for my first two seasons, it’s literally all you think about 24/7. How can I get on the roster.”

According to Hyder, practice-squad players face constant uncertainty, knowing their roster spot can disappear with little warning. The job security is limited, and players who are released often have fewer opportunities than those who were previously on a 53-man roster.

The 7x Super Bowl champion argued that practice squad players were happy to just be on the practice squad and didn’t want to be elevated to the roster.

“What I realized was a lot of guys on those practice squads, they don’t want to be elevated to the roster," he said. "They’re very happy living this life where they could tell their family and friends, which I have no problem with that. But the reality is, a lot of guys don’t want the pressure of dealing with top.”

Hyder's NFL journey began as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2014. He spent his rookie year on the practice squad before earning a reserve/future contract with the Detroit Lions in January 2015, though he once again found himself on the practice squad.

His breakthrough came in 2016 when an injury to Ezekiel Ansah opened the door for his first NFL start against the Green Bay Packers.

It is not just Hyder who had something to say about Brady’s comments. A Detroit Lions coach also did not agree with Brady.

Dan Skipper Slams Tom Brady’s Practice Squad Take

In regard to Brady’s comments, many have voiced their displeasure on social media. One amongst them is Detroit's new offensive assistant Dan Skipper. He also spent the majority of his career battling to remain in the league and has also spent plenty of time on practice squads.

“This is an absolute b******* take on all accounts," he wrote on X on May 31.

He was very vocal about how the practice squad was also very important, spending time in multiple practice squads, including the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, among others.

There's a reason the term "clutch" is commonly used in sports. Excelling in demanding situations is a valuable trait, and a player's response to pressure may sometimes help determine whether they remain on the practice squad or earn a larger role on the active roster.

With both Hyder and Skipper having spent their share of time on the practice squad, they both believe that the pressure on practice squad members is way more than Brady implied.

What’s your take on Brady's comments? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar