Brady took the opportunity to promote his TB12 Sports company’s new multivitamin supplement during the pandemic, using words that have become synonymous with advice from doctors during the crisis to advocate the blend.

Selling a 30-day supply of 60 tablets for $45, the quarterback, whose new contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers guarantees him $50 million, said he was “really proud” to announce a product that would “help us all stay at our best”.

“Protect is our new immunity blend supplement created to help support a healthy immune system,” he explained to his Instagram following of more than 7.6 million. “This product was designed to provide exactly what you need to stay healthy, strong and resilient for whatever comes your way.”

Fans criticized the commercially savvy quarterback and rowed with each other following his questionably timed advertising of his latest product.

“You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to profit from people’s pandemic anxieties,” wrote one, calling the supplement “a waste of money”, while others said they were “embarrassed” for Brady and labeled him “disgusting” and “irresponsible”.