Brady has theory about why so many people hate him, Patriots

Tom Brady is well aware that a lot of people don't like him.

During an appearance on WEEI's "Kirk & Callahan" program Tuesday, the New England Patriots quarterback acknowledged that dealing with criticism comes with the job of being an athlete. He also offered a theory about why it's easier for football fans to direct their animosity toward a particular player or team.

"I think it's a different part about football, for example, in America," Brady said. "I mean, if you look at a lot of other sports around the world, at some point, maybe you get to represent your country, like watching the World Cup in the summer. I see all these soccer players that play for these different clubs but then come together for their country at some point.

"In America, we never get a chance to do that. So, most Americans that live in other parts of the country, they don't like the Patriots. They don't like me, and I can understand that. I mean, I was a 49ers fan at one point. They want to see their team win, and when they don't, I think they've got to direct that frustration somewhere else. When you've been successful like our team has been, I think frustration gets directed at us, and that's just part of it."