New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady got the social media world guessing again with his latest Instagram post. On Friday (April 12), Brady posted a photo of himself practicing in his backyard while wearing a sweatshirt and a Patriots helmet. He accompanied the photo with the caption “Beware the quiet man. For while others speak, he watches. And while others act, he plans. And when they finally rest...he strikes.”

The quote was from the opening scene of the movie “Vice,” a film about the life of former United States Vice President Dick Cheney.

The words were uttered by the film’s narrator, who was later revealed as Cheney’s heart donor. The source of the quote remains unknown, so Brady put anonymous on his caption. While the context of Brady’s latest Instagram post is unknown, the veteran quarterback could be preparing for his run at a seventh Super Bowl ring and his post was simply a warning to the rest of the league. Based on his own comment on the post, where he said “You already know DD!!! 7 (insert smirk face)[sic],” it looks like Brady has fired off a warning shot to the rest of the league.

A quiet offseason for Patriots

The Patriots have had a quiet offseason, marked by several free-agent departures and very few signings. The Patriots recently acquired defensive lineman Michael Bennett via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Matt LaCosse, offensive tackle Cedrick Lang, defensive lineman Mike Pennel, wide receivers Maurice Harris and Bruce Ellington, safety Terrence Brooks, and running back Brandon Bolden.

The Patriots kept kicker Stephen Gostkowski, punter Ryan Allen, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, cornerback Jason McCourty, defensive end John Simon, and signed safety Patrick Chung to a one-year contract extension. The Patriots also lost key players from their Super Bowl LIII run, including wide receiver Chris Hogan, tackles LaAdrian Waddle and Trent Brown, defensive tackle, Malcom Brown, cornerback Eric Rowe, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, and defensive end Trey Flowers.

The Patriots are hoping to fill their needs via the 2019 NFL Draft, where they have 12 picks, including the No. 32 selection in the first round.

Brady reacts to NFL’s helmet ban

Recently, the NFL released a directive banning four additional helmets that fail to meet its safety guidelines. The ban covers the Riddell VSR-4 used by Brady last season.

The NFL allowed Brady to wear that helmet because of the grandfather rule. Brady issued his reaction to the order via his Instagram account, saying he “won a lot of games in that helmet.” According to Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president for health and safety initiatives, any team that has players wearing prohibited helmets will be subject to discipline.
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