ATLANTA _ Nickell Robey-Coleman delivered the hit that changed the NFC Championship Game, and some more that could have a big impact on the Super Bowl.
Robey-Coleman took some shots at Tom Brady and the Patriots in an interview with Bleacher Report that will only motivate the all-time great quarterback and his New England teammates more than they already are for Super Bowl LIII on Sunday.
The Rams cornerback said "age has definitely taken a toll" on the 41-year-old Brady. Robey-Coleman added that Brady is "definitely not the same quarterback he was. Movement. Speed. Velocity. Arm strength." He also said he hates the Patriots and their "arrogance," and had some other choice words and expletives for them.
Robey-Coleman backtracked a little on his comments about Brady during Super Bowl Media Night Monday at State Farm Arena. He said they were taken "out of context" and he was very complimentary of Brady.
"I think everybody is just making a big deal about the situation," Robey-Coleman said. "Tom Brady's a great quarterback. I wasn't trying to say nothing bad about him. I respect him as the GOAT. My words got misconstrued and taken out of context.
"I'm not taking nothing away from his game. I can't take nothing away from his game. This is my first appearance. He's been in this position many times. Words were taken out of context. I respect him. We're going to go out Sunday and play football. I'm going to move on from the situation."
Robey-Coleman was a part of the biggest and most-talked-about play over championship weekend. He made the hit on Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis late in the fourth quarter of the NFC title game that wasn't penalized for pass interference or helmet-to-helmet contact. Robey-Coleman said he's moved on from that play as well.
But Robey-Coleman said his passion for the Patriots comes from his time playing for Buffalo Bills. He also said he was asked what's the difference in Brady when Robey-Coleman was with the Bills to now and he mentioned his age.
"I don't got to apologize or go back on words that I said," Robey-Coleman said. "I addressed his age, but it wasn't nothing about his lack of performance or lack of skills."
Robey-Coleman wouldn't venture to guess what kind of impact his words might have on Brady. He acknowledged Brady may target him, but Robey-Coleman isn't worried.
"I assume he will," he said. "Let's do it ... I'm going to come play my best game. There's no backing down. You're going to see on Sunday.
"At the end of the day, I still got to play football. I'm not going to make the situation bigger than what it is. I'm not scared of Tom Brady."
