NFL

Patriots’ Brady says ‘I’ve been called worse’

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Patriots quarterback Tom Brady brushed off Antonio Cromartie’s colorful insults Wednesday but didn’t deny the Jets’ claim that he provokes other teams with on-field antics.

Brady scoffed when told of a report that Cromartie had called him an “a—hole,” saying, “I’ve been called worse. I’m sure there’s a long list of people that feel that way.”

When prodded by The Post about whether what prompted Cromartie’s comment and similar accusations from Jets coach Rex Ryan — that Brady points fingers and taunts foes on the field — is true, the three-time Super Bowl MVP appeared to come clean.

“I’m an emotional player,” Brady said. “It’s all in the spirit of the game. It’s a competition.”

That was as far as Brady would go when it came to showing much emotion as the Patriots continued to hunker down for Sunday’s hotly anticipated rematch here in the AFC playoffs.

Bill Belichick has ordered his players not to return fire from the Jets, and Brady was in no mood to veer from that plan.

“We’re spending our time getting ready to play,” Brady said. “I don’t think we’re spending our time figuring what we can do to combat what people may say about us. Not everybody has great things to say about our organization or certain players, and that’s kind of how it’s always been. We’re just going to do our talking on the field, as we’ve always chosen to do.”

Rex Ryan, speaking at Jets camp, reportedly said he’s also been called worse, probably by the Patriots this week.

“It was a comment that was made. Trust me, they’re saying a lot worse about me and others here maybe it just wasn’t printed,” Ryan said, according to reports.

“Obviously, as an organization, we respect Tom Brady, there is no question about it,” Ryan also said. “But hey, is there dislike between us and Brady, and Brady against the Jets? Of course there is.”

Cromartie on Wednesday was described by ESPN as defiant and the cornerback reportedly questioned Brady’s professionalism.

Brady, asked if it’s more satisfying to beat a mouthy opponent, smiled and said, “It’s always more satisfying to win [in that situation].”

Brady also appeared to take a subtle dig at Cromartie, saying he is merely a “good player” while fellow Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis a “great player.”

Will the talk make any difference in Jets-Patriots III?

“We’ll see on Sunday afternoon at 7:30,” Brady said. “That’s when everybody will be able to tell.”