Tom Brady regrets applying to trademark the term "Tom Terrific," explaining that his intention was to ensure people didn't refer to him by that nickname.

The request drew criticism from New York Mets' fans. Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver had long been referred to as "Tom Terrific."

"It's unfortunate. I was actually trying to do something because I didn't like the nickname and I wanted to make sure no one used it, because some people wanted to use it," Brady said.

"I was trying to keep people from using it, and then it got spun around to something different than what it is. Good lesson learned, and I'll try to do things a little different in the future."

Asked a follow-up question, Brady said, "I didn't want people associating me with that. ... I don't like the nickname. I don't like when people give me many nice compliments -- certainly that. It wasn't something I was trying to do out of any disrespect or ill manner or anything like that."