The Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks kicks off Sunday at Levi's Stadium. Tom Brady won't be suiting up for the Patriots squad this time, but his presence looms large over the rematch of the 2015 thriller.
However, one person who'll definitely be in the stands pulling for New England is Camille Kostek, longtime girlfriend of retired Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski. And she's not buying Brady's claim that he's staying neutral.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion stirred up a hornet's nest earlier this week when he told Jim Gray on the "Let's Go!" podcast that he doesn't have "a dog in the fight" for Sunday's matchup. The Fox broadcaster and Raiders minority owner claimed he's in a "different phase" where he roots for people rather than teams.
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"I really root for people, and the people I care about," Brady said. "I really want to sit back as a fan and enjoy the game, enjoy the moment, and I always think, 'May the best team win.'"
That unpopular opinion didn't sit well with Patriots Nation because Brady won six Super Bowls with the franchise. And Kostek made her feelings clear in an exclusive TMZ Sports interview. When asked about Brady's neutral stance, she laughed it off completely.
"Patriots nation loves you. We have a bronze statue of you back at Gillette," Kostek said, referencing Brady's monument outside Gillette Stadium.
She added, "I saw that quote. I'm assuming it's true. I didn't see the video, just saw the quote but ... deep in his heart he is a Patriot for life and I think he's with the Patriots. You can't pick a dog in the fight but like, he's a Patriots fan."
When pressed on whether she believes Brady's claims, Kostek doubled down, saying, "No! In his heart, he's rooting Patriots. Yeah, I don't know, but I think yes."
Kostek also admitted she never expected the Patriots to reach the Super Bowl this season, acknowledging the odds were stacked against head coach Mike Vrabel's squad.
"I wouldn't have even thought they were gonna be in the Super Bowl," the model said. "The odds were never in their favor."
Her skepticism mirrors what most of the football fan base felt about New England's chances. However, Brady changed his mind and started backing the Patriots after the heavy roast. So it is fair to say that Vrabel’s squad is going to the Super Bowl with TB12's blessing.
The Super Bowl begins at 6:30 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC and Peacock.