Tom Brady’s first season as FOX’s lead color commentator has been a bit of a mixed experience. Initially, his broadcasts were met with criticism as many found him awkward and lacking chemistry with his play-by-play partner, Kevin Burkhardt. His early performances were far from the seamless delivery that fans might have expected from a sports icon like Brady. These early struggles were compounded by the announcement that Brady would become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which led to increased scrutiny of his broadcasting career and raised questions about the potential conflicts of interest.
However, in recent weeks, Brady has seemed to settle into his role more comfortably. His performances have improved as he gains more experience in the booth, and he appears to be finding his rhythm with Burkhardt. This progress is significant, considering the pressures of his high-profile role, and many are beginning to notice his growing confidence on air. Despite only working Sundays due to FOX’s broadcasting schedule, Brady’s development as a commentator has been a key focus in his first season, and it seems that he is starting to gain a positive reception.
One notable change in Brady’s schedule is his participation in FOX’s traditional Thanksgiving Day game. This year, he will be calling the game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. Brady’s surprise at this shift was evident when he joined the NFL on FOX studio crew and was asked if he knew he had to work on Thanksgiving. His response, marked by wide eyes and a playful “WHAT?!”, suggested that he was caught off guard, though it’s likely he was just having some fun with the situation.
Brady’s reaction to the Thanksgiving game also drew attention to another fun anecdote involving Michael Strahan, another prominent FOX personality. Strahan, who had worked with FOX for years before Brady, revealed that he had not realized he would be required to work on Thanksgiving when he first took the job. This moment served as a lighthearted comparison between the two former athletes turned broadcasters, with Brady seemingly enjoying the moment and sharing a smile with Strahan on set.
Brady’s transition into broadcasting has had its challenges, but his improvement in the booth, coupled with his playful personality, has helped him carve out a space for himself in the media world. As he continues to adjust to his new role, his experience with FOX on Thanksgiving Day will provide another opportunity to showcase his evolving skills in front of a larger audience. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he continues to grow and settle into this next phase of his career.
