Few players in NFL history know more about what it takes to win championships than Tom Brady, so when the seven-time Super Bowl-winning former quarterback singles out an unheralded duo for praise, it’s testament to why the 2025 Seattle Seahawks have a title-ready roster.
Brady was on commentary for Fox Sports NFL during the Seahawks’ 41-6 trouncing of the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. There were many stars on both sides of the ball for the hosts at Lumen Field on Saturday, January 17, but Brady was effusive about a pair of hidden gems, two “unselfish” players who helped Seattle’s offense dominate on the ground.
Beefy tight ends Eric Saubert and AJ Barner earned the respect of the man may believe is the greatest player of all time. Brady commented how the “strength” of Barner and Saubert “allows you to run that outside-zone scheme.”
The scheme enabled Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III to rush for three touchdowns and match a franchise legend. Yet, Brady was less impressed by gaudy numbers as he was by the “pride that they (Saubert and Barner) take in that (run-blocking). That is just team football, and I always say, there’s a difference between being a star and a champion. Champions are tight ends that wanna block, that wanna set the edge, you want to run behind ’em. Stars are ones that just want the glory ’cause they want the fantasy points. This team is made up of a bunch of unselfish guys, and maybe one day they’ll be champions here.”
The day the Seahawks are champions could be drawing closer after the way they demolished the Niners. A home game for the NFC Championship awaits, and if the Seahawks are going to advance to the Super Bowl, they’ll need more selfless, physical football from invaluable grinders like Saubert and Barner.
‘Unselfish’ Seahawks Duo Powered Playoff Offense
Being able to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the ball on the ground are crucial traits at this time of the season. Playoff football is usually won by the more physical team, and the Seahawks bossed the 49ers because of the way Saubert and Barner relished their blocking duties.
Their brawn and ability to stay clamped onto defenders helped Walker rush for 116 yards. Those gains were the foundation of Seattle’s 175-yard rushing effort.
Numbers like these shine from the stat sheet, unlike the gruelling and dirty work undertaken by Saubert and Barner, but their contributions were no less important. Brady calling out their efforts is a credible endorsement of the mentality powering these Seahawks along their push to the Super Bowl.
Tom Brady Knows Super Bowl Mentality
Brady played on title-winning teams underpinned by the kind of obscure, but vital work Saubert and Barner performed against the 49ers. Players like fullback James Develin, backup running backs Rex Burkhead and James White, along with unheralded tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, all played valuable situational roles for different Super Bowl teams with the New England Patriots.
None were stars, or even full starters, but their niche skills proved critical in clutch moments of big games The Seahawks are following a similar pattern in key phases.
Saubert caught just four passes from seven targets during the regular season, most notably the winning two-pointer against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16.
This being the only pass thrown his way in that game summed up Saubert’s unselfish application for the Seahawks. Whatever he’s called to do, whenever he’s called to do it, Saubert is delivering, which explains why he got a one-year contract extension during the season.
He and Barner combined for 67 snaps against the 49ers, per Pro Football Reference, but they made the most of them to ensure the success of the running game. A similar pattern of maximizing even limited playing time is also obvious on defense.
Veteran nose tackle Jarran Reed has been overshadowed by should-be Pro Bowler and All-Pro Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. Yet, Reed turned 27 snaps in the Divisional Round into stubborn resistance against the Niners’ running game.
Reed has a specific role and he’s not letting a reduced workload prevent him from thriving. It’s the same with Saubert and why the Seahawks are already playing championship football.
Tom Brady Called Out ‘Unselfish’ Seahawks Duo vs. 49ers