When the lights dimmed and the applause from Fox’s upfront crowd finally faded, the internet got its encore—courtesy of David Ortiz.

In reaction to the high-energy appearance by Tom Brady and Alex Rodriguez on stage, Big Papi went to Instagram and shared their trio’s picture with just two words: “My Dawgs.” That was it, apart from mentioning their names, of course. Sometimes, merely two words tell the whole story—if you know the link behind them. 

Let’s go back to the stage, where the legends were front and center during Fox’s glitzy sports reveal. The duo of A-rod and Brady did not just highlight upcoming coverage—they were the coverage. Tossing footballs, cracking jokes, and playing off each other like seasoned broadcasters, the stars’ chemistry was impossible to ignore. Though Ortiz was not on stage with the others, however, Ortiz’s reaction made it clear: this was not just a reunion of famous stars—it was a reunion of family.

However, why does this moment matter? It’s not just because these are three of the most iconic names in sports; it’s about who they are to each other. Brady, the NFL GOAT. A-Rod, the once controversial but now polished MLB voice. In addition, Ortiz, the ever-charismatic Big Papi. Together, they’ve built authentic on-camera chemistry rooted in off-camera respect. That’s why “My Dawgs” landed louder than any scripted headline. It was real.

It is not the first time we’ve seen this trio light it up. From Fox’s Super Bowl coverage to October’s MLB postseason, these stars have become an unexpected but unbeatable team. During Rodriguez’s infamous suspension in 2013, David Ortiz was among the first ones to voice support for A-rod. And just like that, the seven-time Super Bowl champion has also expressed his support for Rodriguez on multiple occasions.

Adding another layer to their friendship, A-Rod and Brady were also spotted posing for the cameras together at the 2018 Met Gala. Despite being the legends of two different sports, they have maintained a strong friendship over the years; their dynamic is unfiltered, which is the magic Fox is betting on. This shows why Ortiz’s words did not just trend; they resonated.

From fallout to forgiveness: Revisiting the Ortiz-A-Rod rift

The situation between Ortiz and Rodriguez was not always good. David Ortiz’s “he is dead to me” remark in 2015 was not off the cuff, it was the culmination of a year-long fallout rooted in PED suspicions. The gap began in January 2014. In that period, A-Rod’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said to ESPN Radio that “God-like” Red Sox stars were not above suspicion. It was an implication widely assumed to target Ortiz. Although Tacopina later walked it back, the star did not buy it. The Dominican slugger—whose name had appeared on a leaked 2003 list of positive PED tests—took it personally. After that, the tension enhanced and Ortiz refused to speak to Rodriguez. Their friendship, once close enough for A-Rod to attend Ortiz’s 2013 charity golf event, dissolved publicly and instantly.

However, perspective has a way of transforming over a period. While Ortiz continued chasing 500 home runs—he was 34 shy at the time—Rodriguez was going through his return from a season-long suspension. The irony was not lost: they were aging sluggers, they were under scrutiny and they were occupying DH roles on competitor AL East teams. Ortiz highlighted zero interest in mentoring Rodriguez ahead of A-Rod’s 2015 comeback, quipping “good luck—next question” when asked if he had advice. The rawness of the situation, enhanced by media narratives and historical baggage, highlighted just how fractured the link had become. Yet years later, the ice thawed and today they sit side-by-side on national broadcasts. By this they have proved that the coldest beefs can defrost under the right spotlight.

Ortiz and Rodriguez’s journey from allies to estranged stars—and back to broadcast partners—is a rare public arc in sports. What began as tension over reputations and PED rumors has since evolved into mutual respect. Their story is less related to grudges and more related to how time, growth and shared legacy can bring the most fractured relationships full circle.

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