S.W.A.T. fans were both excited and puzzled when CBS announced the upcoming spinoff S.W.A.T. Exiles, headlined by Shemar Moore but noticeably missing much of the original ensemble. Among those absent is Jay Harrington, who played Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay for seven seasons.
Now Harrington has finally spoken out about the new direction. His reaction is candid, supportive, and—surprisingly—involves a comparison to NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Let’s unpack what he said, why his words matter, and how his analogy actually makes perfect sense.
Jay Harrington’s History With S.W.A.T.
A Steady Leader on Screen
As Deacon Kay, Harrington was the backbone of the S.W.A.T. squad—a veteran cop, family man, and mentor figure whose grounded presence balanced Hondo’s bold leadership.
Why Fans Expected Him in the Spinoff
Because of his history and fan popularity, many assumed Harrington would transition into S.W.A.T. Exiles. His absence has raised eyebrows, making his recent comments even more anticipated.
Addressing His Absence
In an interview, Harrington revealed that he wasn’t approached to join the spin-off, and while it stung initially, he understands the creative choice. “It’s Shemar’s show now,” he said, acknowledging Moore’s star power and the network’s push for a fresh start.
Instead of bitterness, Harrington expressed gratitude for his time on S.W.A.T. and excitement to watch the new series as a fan.
The Tom Brady Comparison
Here’s where Harrington surprised everyone: he compared Shemar Moore’s situation to Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Logic Behind the Analogy
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Brady Leaving the Patriots → A legendary figure stepping into a new chapter without the familiar team that defined him.
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Moore Leading S.W.A.T. Exiles → A franchise cornerstone moving forward without the original cast by his side.
Both situations involve reinvention, risk, and the challenge of proving success can exist beyond the comfort of the original setup.
Why It Works
The analogy resonates because both Moore and Brady are leaders. They command respect, they’ve carried teams, and they thrive under pressure. Fans may miss the OG S.W.A.T. squad, just like Patriots fans missed Brady, but the new chapter has potential to redefine legacies.
Harrington’s Support for Shemar Moore
Despite being left out, Harrington praised Moore for his leadership both on and off-screen. He described him as a “quarterback for the cast,” someone who set the tone, motivated his co-stars, and ensured the team felt like a family.
That comment ties neatly into his Tom Brady comparison, reinforcing the idea that Moore can take S.W.A.T. Exiles to new heights—even if the original crew isn’t there.
Why Fans Are Split
Disappointment
Longtime viewers who loved the original ensemble feel like Exiles won’t be the same without Deacon, Tan, Luca, and others.
Excitement
Others see the spin-off as a chance for fresh stories, new challenges, and the chance to keep Moore in the spotlight.
The Bigger Picture: Spinoffs Without Originals
This isn’t new for TV. Other franchises (NCIS, CSI, Law & Order) have launched spin-offs without carrying over full casts. Sometimes it works, sometimes it alienates loyal fans. Harrington’s comments acknowledge this reality without bitterness.
Harrington’s Takeaway Message
The actor made it clear: while he won’t be part of S.W.A.T. Exiles, he’s rooting for it. His realistic outlook reminds fans that television evolves, casts change, and sometimes moving forward means leaving beloved characters behind.
Conclusion
Jay Harrington’s response to being excluded from S.W.A.T. Exiles is refreshingly honest. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, he chose to celebrate the journey he had, praise Shemar Moore’s leadership, and even compare the situation to Tom Brady’s bold move from New England to Tampa Bay.
For fans, it’s bittersweet. They’ll miss Deacon Kay, but Harrington’s support of the new direction—and his football-inspired analogy—offers perspective: change is inevitable, but greatness can continue in new forms.
FAQs
1. Why isn’t Jay Harrington in S.W.A.T. Exiles?
The spin-off is taking a new creative direction centered around Shemar Moore’s Hondo, without most of the original cast.
2. How did Harrington feel about being excluded?
He admitted it was tough but expressed gratitude for his time on S.W.A.T. and support for the new show.
3. What did he mean by the Tom Brady comparison?
He compared Shemar Moore leading Exiles without the OG cast to Tom Brady leaving the Patriots to prove himself with a new team.
4. Will Harrington ever appear in Exiles?
He didn’t confirm anything, but left the door open for possible cameos in the future.
5. What does this mean for fans of the original S.W.A.T.?
It means embracing a new chapter. While the OG squad won’t be there, Moore’s leadership could give the spin-off its own identity.
Custom Message:
Jay Harrington may not be part of S.W.A.T. Exiles, but his words prove that true leaders—on screen and off—know how to honor the past while cheering for the future.
