10:32 AM PT -- Tom Brady sent a text message to Tyrann Mathieu after the Super Bowl apologizing for the intense exchange during the Super Bowl, sources confirm to TMZ Sports.
And, we're also told the "something I won't repeat" that Mathieu referenced in a post-game tweet was NOT a racist comment.
We're told the comment was more along the lines of trash talk in the heat of battle -- and didn't have anything to do with race.
As for Tom's text message to Tyrann, we're told the QB praised Honeybadger as an incredible leader, champion and class act ... and chalked up the clash to wanting to match Tyrann's intensity on the field.
Brady noted that he's been a fan of Tyrann since Mathieu was at LSU.
Bottom line -- it sounds like cooler heads will prevail and everything will be water under the bridge.
Kansas City Chiefs star Tyrann Mathieu claims Tom Brady crossed a line during the Super Bowl ... saying the Buccaneers QB "called me something I won't repeat" in their heated exchange.
Mathieu and Brady butted heads several times during the big game -- most notably after the Bucs scored a late touchdown before the end of the first half -- with many accusing the Chiefs safety of being the instigator.
Brady tells Mathieu he's going at him all game. goes after him. then lets him know he went after him. pic.twitter.com/e5urtsD839
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) February 8, 2021
The 28-year-old went to Twitter to share his side of things following the crushing loss ... saying he's done nothing but admire Brady for years, and it was the 7-time champ who went too far.
"He called me something I won't repeat but yeah I'll let all the media throw me under the bus as if I did something or said something to him," Mathieu said in a since-deleted tweet.
"Go back to my previous games against TB12 I showed him nothing but respect. Look at my interviews about him ... I show grace."
Mathieu also spoke about the altercation after the game ... where he had a much more vague response.
"It's football," he said. "Guys are gonna go back and forth."
TB12 has yet to respond to the accusation ... we'll keep you posted.
Originally Published -- 6:32 AM PT