Days after the National Football League warned players not to remove the American flag decal from their helmets, controversy is brewing over New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s apparent decision to play this preseason without donning the NFL logo decal.
Brady faces suspension for the first four regular season games due to his role in the so-called “Deflategate” scandal—in which the Patriots used illegally deflated footballs during the AFC Championship Game two seasons ago—leading many to wonder whether the missing helmet sticker was an act of protest. But according to a report on Monday, Brady denies any knowledge of the absent logo.
The NFL fines players $6,076 for a first-time uniform violation, while second offenses cost $12,154, which the league saw fit to remind players last week after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s preseason protests of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
It’s unclear whether Brady will be fined for his “accidental” violation, but the husband of Gisele Bündchen does serve as a useful point of comparison to Kaepernick, who makes his activism no secret and embraces the consequences. Brady may not have known about the missing decal—like he didn’t know about the deflated balls—or he’s the league’s most passive-aggressive protester.
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
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We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.