Tom Brady’s broadcasting career might end before it truly gets off the ground, according to an NFL insider per the Daily Mail. The NFL legend is in the first season of his 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports as a commentator. However, the seven-time Super Bowl champion has received mixed feedback on his performance, with his debut facing significant criticism.
During an appearance on The Varsity podcast with John Ourand, Pro Football Talk founder and NBC analyst Mike Florio suggested there’s a growing belief within NFL circles that Tom Brady may be reluctant to commit to the extensive preparation required for a broadcasting career.
“There’s an interesting theory that’s making the rounds in league circles, because there had been teams that have said to the league, ‘We want Tom Brady to be involved in the production meetings.’ And through that push and pull because the league says no, no, no, no, no exceptions even if you waive it,” Florio said, discussing the NFL restrictions Brady now has after becoming a Raiders minority owner.
“Him being an owner and him being a broadcaster I think it keeps him from being the absolute best he could ever be. And it just always seemed beneath him — he’s Tom Brady… I just wonder how many years he’ll continue to do it.”
In May 2023, the former quarterback agreed to take on a minority stake in the Raiders. However, the deal faced delays due to concerns over how his involvement in the media might impact the arrangement.
There are many concerns about Brady’s ability to be able to be an excellent broadcaster while also doing the best job as a team owner.
As an NFL owner, Brady now faces a different set of rules in his role as a broadcaster.The former Quarterback is prohibited from entering team locker rooms, access to players, coaches, among other restrictions.Brady will also need to be mindful of his commentary in the booth, as the league’s constitution and bylaws prohibit public criticism of officials and other teams.
Meanwhile, Brady has his work cut out for him with The Raiders. The team has not won a playoff game since 2002.
According to Athlon Sports, “New Raiders minority owner Tom Brady represents ‘excellence,’ according to Raiders majority owner Mark Davis. While Brady is busy broadcasting for Fox and may have only 10 percent equity in the Raiders, I expect his involvement in running the team to be closer to 90 percent. We already know the organization wants to lean on Brady when picking a future quarterback. One of Davis’s strengths is his openness to listening to experienced football people, and he values Brady’s understanding of what it takes to win at a high level.”
