Ever since FOX Sports signed Tom Brady to a 10-year deal for a broadcasting role, NFL fans have been intrigued to see how the GOAT would navigate this position while his bid for NFL ownership was underway.
The intrigue, however, grew tenfold when the Las Vegas Raiders accepted Brady’s bid and approved his status as a minority owner of the team. Even analysts are now confused about how Brady can excel in both roles with one foot in each camp.
How can someone, even if that someone is Tom Brady, with so much vested interest in an NFL team, be relied upon to deliver unbiased broadcast coverage? Not many have the answer to this question, not even NFL Insider Dan Patrick.
In the latest episode of ‘The Dan Patrick Show,’ the veteran sportscaster expressed his confusion over Brady’s dual role. Dan noted that commentators and analysts usually have access to NFL team practice sessions, where they can interact with players and coaches to gather more context and depth for their broadcasting.
In Brady’s case, however, interacting with players and coaches of any team other than the Raiders could be like giving away your game plan to them. Another issue for Patrick stems from the stature and aura of Brady.
When the GOAT of the game asks you a question, it’s very hard to keep things from him or lie to his face. Most players respect him too much to do so. For Dan, this creates a grave dilemma in understanding Brady’s role.
“But if you said Tom Brady got to go in the locker room and say to Patrick Mahomes, ‘hey, I’m curious about this… chances are Mahomes is going to tell Tom… but he’s not allowed to exchange information or get information because he works for the Raiders. Crazy problematic!”
Despite Dan’s valid remarks, it must be acknowledged that the league has issued clear restrictions on Brady to ensure no exchange of information or bias creeps in.
Restrictions placed on Tom Brady
Before the season began, the league made sure the former quarterback was aware of the restrictions that would be placed on him if he were to become an owner of the Raiders, alongside his broadcasting role. Among these restrictions is a complete ban on accessing other teams’ facilities and practices.
The GOAT is also not allowed to attend broadcast production meetings due to the interaction between coaches, players, and broadcasters before the game. A restriction on narrative control has also been enforced, as TB12 cannot publicly critique officials or other teams. Such an act would result in the former QB being fined or suspended immediately.
As good as these restrictions are on paper, the points raised by Dan are valid counterarguments. Another point worth pondering is the way Brady will analyze the games each week.
No one likes a sycophant. Brady is supposed to show his raw emotions and intensity. If you strip that away from him, will he still enjoy his new media career? Will his sycophantic analysis even resonate with his fans?