Tom Brady’s new position as a Fox Sports analyst, combined with his role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, has led to questions about potential conflicts of interest. Brady will be part of the broadcast team for Sunday’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, just one week before the Raiders face the Bears in Las Vegas. This overlap has fueled speculation that Brady might gain insider knowledge through production meetings with coaches.
Johnson And Schottenheimer Downplay Brady Conflict, Stressing League-Wide Familiarity And Transparency
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson downplayed any suggestion that Brady’s involvement poses a threat to competitive integrity. Johnson explained that schemes change weekly and that any insights Brady might gather are already accessible through game film. He emphasized that there are no “trade secrets” being shared in these production meetings, stressing that the situation is “not that big of a deal.”
Ben Johnson (NFL)
Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer echoed Johnson’s sentiment, joking that he would “not even talk to Tom” ahead of the game. Schottenheimer, who faces Brady’s Raiders later this season, noted that the NFL community is already well-connected, with coaches familiar with each other’s playbooks. He suggested that the supposed conflict of interest is overblown, stating that football knowledge circulates widely in the league regardless.
NFL Defends Brady’s Booth Presence, Johnson Unfazed And Focused On Coaching Duties
Brady was seen in the Raiders’ coaches’ booth during their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, sparking further debate. The NFL quickly clarified that Brady, as a minority owner, is prohibited from attending practices or production meetings but is allowed to sit in the booth with league-issued equipment. The league emphasized that no policies were violated and that his presence was strictly within the rules.
Johnson reiterated that he has grown accustomed to being careful with his words in all media and production settings, especially since becoming a head coach. He stressed that his approach will not change, regardless of Brady’s unique position. Calling the situation “business as usual,” Johnson reaffirmed his trust in the process, even adding that he has a positive relationship with Brady, keeping the focus firmly on football preparation.
Earlier this week, Tom Brady commented on golfer Scottie Scheffler’s remarks about choosing to be a better husband and father over athletic excellence. On PFT Live, Michael Holley and the writer explored the deeper implications of Brady’s views, especially in light of his personal and professional history. The discussion centered around the apparent contradiction between Brady’s statements and his actual career choices.
Brady’s Commitment Began Before Fatherhood, Driven by Obsession, Not Family Responsibility
Holley highlighted a key flaw in Brady’s defense of his work-centric lifestyle as setting an example for his children. In reality, Brady’s relentless pursuit of greatness began long before he became a father.
As early as his rookie year in 2000, Brady committed fully to maximizing his football potential, sacrificing time, balance, and perhaps personal life in the process. This undercuts any recent claims that his extreme work ethic was about providing for his family.
Tom Brady (NFL)
The Tom vs. Time documentary sheds even more light on Brady’s mindset. In it, he explicitly states that to compete with him, one would need to “give up [their] life” because he was giving up his. This quote starkly contrasts with any suggestion of balance or selflessness; instead, it reveals a man fully consumed by his profession, prioritizing performance above all else.
Brady’s Pursuit of Greatness Came at the Expense of True Work-Life Balance
Brady’s recent comments question why being a good parent and spouse must be at odds with being great at one’s sport. He speaks of these roles as connected parts of the same pyramid. However, this narrative contradicts his earlier admissions. His professional journey reflected a total commitment to winning, suggesting that, for him, excellence in one area came at the expense of the other.
Ultimately, Brady’s career was defined by an all-consuming dedication to football. His pursuit of greatness involved repeated sacrifices, with little room for balance. While that level of commitment is admirable in its own right, it’s disingenuous for him to now present himself as someone who sought equilibrium between work and family. The reality was simple: it was all about football, no matter the cost.
Among the most intense, enduring, and significant sports rivalries of the 21st century, few compare to Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. From 2001 to 2015, these two iconic NFL quarterbacks faced off 17 times between the regular season and the playoffs.
Brady emerged victorious in 11 of those matchups, but Manning held a 3-2 advantage in the postseason. More than just a battle of stats, their rivalry helped define their careers and frequently played a pivotal role in determining which team would advance to the Super Bowl.
How Peyton Manning Pushed Tom Brady to Grow, Improve, and Embrace Fierce Competition
In a recent newsletter, Brady reflected on the value of rivalries and specifically credited Manning as a major force in his development. Calling Manning a “gift” to his career, Brady shared that having such a worthy opponent pushed him beyond his limits. Manning served not just as a rival but as a benchmark and motivator, driving Brady to work harder during the off-season and to aim higher than what others thought was achievable.
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady (NFL)
Brady went on to describe the high stakes involved in every game against Manning. Each matchup demanded peak mental and physical preparation, as a single mistake could shift the outcome and ultimately impact the postseason.
A specific example was the 2006 Week 8 loss to the Colts, which led to Indianapolis securing home-field advantage and eventually winning the AFC Championship Game—and the Super Bowl. These were not just games; they were critical chapters in each season’s narrative.
Defining Moments That Decided Championships and Shaped an All-Time Great Quarterback Rivalry
The rivalry also had several unforgettable moments. In 2003, the Patriots secured a win at the RCA Dome thanks to a last-minute goal-line stand, which later proved crucial in hosting and winning the AFC Championship Game.
Conversely, in 2006, the Colts finally broke through by defeating the Patriots in the dome setting of the RCA Dome, a reversal of previous playoff losses in Foxborough. These pivotal games often determined who would represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
While Brady faced several intense rivalries—against teams like the Steelers, Ravens, and Giants, and quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes—none carried the same weight as his battles with Peyton Manning.
Their meetings were a rare and consistent clash between two of the NFL’s all-time greats, often serving as defining moments in the league. For Brady, this rivalry was more than just a competitive memory—it was a powerful motivator that pushed him to achieve levels of performance he might not have reached under different circumstances.
Hall of Fame quarterback and longtime Fox Sports analyst Terry Bradshaw recently voiced his displeasure over the network’s massive contract with Tom Brady. Bradshaw, who has been with Fox since it began airing NFL games in 1994, made his comments during an appearance on To The Point – Home Services Podcast.
Referring to Fox’s $375 million, 10-year deal with Brady, Bradshaw sarcastically questioned the network’s financial priorities, noting how they claim to be “running a little tight” when he requests a raise. His tone suggested that he believes he has been undercompensated in comparison.
Bradshaw Questions Fox’s Priorities as Loyalty Takes Backseat to Star Power Hype
Bradshaw admitted he made some poor financial decisions in the past regarding his contracts, which may have left him in a weaker bargaining position today. However, his remarks imply a growing frustration with the disparity in treatment between long-serving contributors like himself and newcomers like Brady, who are rewarded handsomely despite lacking broadcasting experience.
The former Steelers quarterback seems to feel undervalued, especially given his decades-long loyalty and presence on the Fox team.
Tom Brady (NFL)
The choice to offer Brady such a lucrative deal has raised eyebrows in media circles. Many critics argue that Fox overpaid, especially in light of Brady’s lackluster debut as a broadcaster in 2024.
The consensus is that Fox prioritized celebrity over competence, investing in Brady’s name recognition rather than proven ability. Bradshaw’s comments align with this critique, highlighting a perceived imbalance between what Fox pays for “star power” versus what it invests in its veteran talent.
Brady Turns Fame Into Fortune While Media Favors Personality Over Proven Experience
Bradshaw’s remarks touch on a broader trend in sports media: the commodification of celebrity relationships. Tom Brady’s recent business successes — from airline partnerships to sports ownership deals — often stem from powerful people wanting to associate with a “cool friend.”
In Fox’s case, it appears they saw Brady as an asset not just for his football knowledge, but for the prestige and attention he brings. Bradshaw seems to be acknowledging this reality with some frustration, noting the shift from value-based to personality-driven decisions.
Ultimately, Bradshaw’s comments highlight Tom Brady’s remarkable skill in turning his public image into profit. From landing a minority ownership in the Raiders to inking high-profile endorsement deals, Brady has consistently shown he knows how to convert fame and personal connections into financial success.
While Bradshaw stops short of openly complaining, his point is evident: excelling on the field is one achievement, but mastering the art of self-promotion may be an even more powerful asset in today’s media-driven world.
Tom Brady Quietly Shapes Raiders QB Plans as Seahawks Bet on Sam Darnold for Stability
A recent report from The Athletic’s Mike Silver sheds light on former quarterback and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady’s involvement in shaping the team’s quarterback plans. Specifically, it notes that Brady did not support the idea of pursuing Sam Darnold as the next Raiders quarterback.
This aligns with earlier reports indicating Brady and general manager John Spytek had little enthusiasm for veteran options, including no interest whatsoever in Aaron Rodgers. At the same time, the coaching staff reportedly showed reluctance toward developing a rookie quarterback.
Seahawks and Raiders Take Diverging Paths in Quarterback Search and Decision Making
Interestingly, Geno Smith emerged as a compromise candidate for the Raiders, largely due to his relationship with head coach Pete Carroll. However, Smith ultimately landed in Seattle, while Darnold was chosen as the Seahawks’ next starter.
This sets up an intriguing contrast between two former AFC West rivals — the Raiders and the Seahawks, each making very different quarterback decisions. Whether Seattle made the right move with Darnold or the Raiders with Geno remains to be seen, but both teams approached their quarterback dilemmas with calculated caution.
Tom Brady Quietly Shapes Raiders QB Plans as Seahawks Bet on Sam Darnold for Stability
Although Brady claims limited involvement in certain key decisions, his actions suggest otherwise. His apparent hands-on role in evaluating veteran quarterbacks contradicts his public statements, such as when he distanced himself from the Raiders’ choice to pass on Shedeur Sanders.
During a vague and hesitant interview response, Brady denied any direct role in that decision, raising questions about how involved he actually is behind the scenes.
Brady Maintains Strategic Distance While Influencing Raiders’ Decisions to Protect His Image
By selectively involving himself, Brady appears to be creating a strategic middle ground. He seems to have just enough influence to take credit if the Raiders’ choices succeed, yet enough distance to dodge accountability if things go south. This approach could serve him well from a public relations standpoint, especially as the Raiders continue to struggle with consistency and direction.
Ultimately, the conflicting signals between front-office decision-makers, coaching preferences, and Brady’s ambiguous level of involvement point to a larger issue within the Raiders’ leadership structure. While the team hopes to turn things around, the lack of clear alignment between stakeholders may hinder progress.
As for the Seahawks, their firm choice in Darnold suggests a more unified approach — a contrast that could shape both franchises’ fortunes in the coming seasons.
Tom Brady has launched a new attraction in Las Vegas called the Hall of Excellence, located at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The exhibit is set to open to the public on Friday and promises to be a premier destination for fans of sports and entertainment history.
The initiative is a collaboration between Brady, the Tom Brady Family Collection, veteran sportscaster Jim Gray, and his wife Frann, and the Fontainebleau hotel. Positioned in a city known for spectacle and luxury, the Hall of Excellence offers a unique blend of sports legacy and pop culture.
Iconic Artifacts and Legendary Voices Celebrate Excellence Across Sports and Entertainment History
The Hall features an impressive collection of items associated with iconic figures across sports and entertainment. Visitors can view historic artifacts such as Elvis Presley and Beatles memorabilia, Jackie Robinson’s bat from his barrier-breaking season, Kobe Bryant’s McDonald’s All-American uniform, Billie Jean King’s signature tennis dress, and a golf ball from Tiger Woods’ first Masters win.
Brady’s own Super Bowl rings are on display, along with Muhammad Ali’s fight-worn gloves and Shohei Ohtani’s bat from a recent World Series win. The curated selection emphasizes moments of excellence across generations.
Tom Brady (NFL)
Adding to the experience is the inclusion of a rich audio tour voiced by some of the most respected names in sports and entertainment. Morgan Freeman serves as the main narrator, supported by other notable voices including Oprah Winfrey, Jim Nantz, Bob Costas, Marv Albert, and even Snoop Dogg.
These narrators provide context, stories, and insights for each exhibit, making the Hall of Excellence not just a visual experience but an auditory journey through greatness.
Greg Bishop Pens 660,000 Words to Bring Hall of Excellence to Life
Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated played a significant behind-the-scenes role as the official writer for the Hall. Bishop was responsible for creating more than 660,000 words in total, including audio scripts, item descriptions, case inscriptions, and a Wall of Excellence. His work ensures that every piece in the exhibit is thoroughly explained and woven into a cohesive narrative, enhancing the educational and emotional impact for visitors.
While the experience promises unmatched inspiration and grandeur, it comes at a cost. Admission is priced at $35 per person, with entry staggered every 15 minutes to manage crowd flow. As Brady humorously noted, one unnamed sports legend even claimed the exhibit is “better than the Hall of Fame.”
True to its name, the Hall of Excellence delivers on the promise of showcasing the best of the best — and makes it clear that excellence, especially in Las Vegas, isn’t free.
Bill Belichick’s Brady Miscalculation Reshaped His Legacy and Hastened the Patriots’ Decline
Tom Brady’s Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not diminish Bill Belichick’s coaching résumé, but it did reframe it. Belichick, known for his keen understanding of football strategy, failed to recognize the true impact of Brady’s departure on the New England Patriots.
Whether due to financial constraints or a belief in his own system, Belichick allowed his star quarterback to leave without adequately replacing him. This decision set off a chain reaction of failures that would expose weaknesses in the team’s offensive structure.
Belichick’s Miscalculation on Brady Led to Patriots’ Offensive Decline and Collapse
Belichick had built a reputation for moving on from players before their decline rather than after. However, applying this philosophy to Brady proved to be a grave miscalculation. Brady was not just another player—he was an outlier, a generational talent who defied typical aging curves. By sticking to his usual strategy, Belichick underestimated the long-term ramifications of losing a quarterback who had been the backbone of the Patriots’ success for two decades.
Bill Belichick’s Brady Miscalculation Reshaped His Legacy and Hastened the Patriots’ Decline
Brady’s exit left a void that was never properly filled. The offensive struggles began under Cam Newton and Mac Jones, but they worsened when Josh McDaniels, the team’s offensive coordinator, left. Rather than hiring a qualified replacement, Belichick made the controversial decision to entrust the offense to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge—two coaches with little experience in offensive play-calling. This lack of foresight further derailed the team, leading to the offensive collapse witnessed in the 2023 season.
Belichick’s Defensive Mastery Endures, but His Legacy Faces Uncertain Future
Despite his offensive failures, Belichick’s defensive expertise remained evident. Even with key injuries to defensive standouts like Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez, he managed to field a top-tier defense. The Patriots ranked among the best in the league in yards allowed, yet their record suffered because of an inept offense. This imbalance underscored the criticism that Belichick prioritized defense while neglecting the offensive side of the ball—a costly oversight in today’s NFL.
While Belichick’s legacy as the greatest coach of all time is secure, the final years of his tenure in New England have left a blemish. The way his Patriots dynasty unraveled will be a lasting part of his story—“the GOAT, but…” However, Belichick may not be done yet. If he takes another coaching job and succeeds, he can repair his legacy. If he fails again, it will reinforce the notion that Brady, not Belichick, was the key to their dynasty. The next chapter of his career will determine how history remembers him.
When discussing the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, one name stands above the rest: Tom Brady. His career has been marked by consistency, resilience, and an unmatched ability to perform under pressure. Brady’s unparalleled legacy in professional football has solidified his place as a true icon of the sport.
But what truly makes him the greatest of all time (GOAT)? The answer lies not only in his record-breaking achievements but also in his mentality and determination.
Tom Brady’s journey began in 2000 when he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. That decision, which many believed was a long shot at the time, would go on to become one of the most significant moments in football history. Despite entering the league as a backup quarterback, Brady’s work ethic and focus quickly turned him into a starter. His determination to prove his worth on the field was clear from the start.
In his first year as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, Brady led the team to an unexpected Super Bowl victory. At just 24 years old, Brady was named Super Bowl MVP, defeating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams.
This win marked the beginning of a dynasty in New England, as Brady would go on to win six more championships with the Patriots over the next two decades. His seven Super Bowl rings are the most by any player in NFL history, further cementing his place in the annals of football greatness.
What sets Brady apart from other quarterbacks is his consistency. Throughout his 23-season career, Brady consistently delivered at the highest level. Even as he aged, he showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, his best performances came in his 40s, when many of his peers were retiring or losing their competitive edge.
Tom Brady in Paris
Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory
In 2021, at the age of 44, proving that age was just a number for the legendary quarterback.
Brady’s ability to perform in clutch moments is another reason why he is considered the GOAT. Time and again, he led his teams to victory in games where others might have faltered. His game-winning drives, particularly in the playoffs, have become the stuff of legend.
In Super Bowl LI, Brady orchestrated the greatest comeback in the history of the game, leading the Patriots from a 28-3 deficit to a 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. It was a testament to his unshakable poise and leadership in high-pressure situations.
One of the defining aspects of Brady’s career has been his ability to adapt to different systems and teammates. Throughout his time with the Patriots, Brady had various supporting casts, yet he consistently found ways to succeed. His chemistry with coaches and players was key to his success, as he was able to uplift those around him.
This adaptability was put to the test when he left the Patriots in 2020 to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many questioned whether Brady could thrive in a new system at his age, but he proved the doubters wrong by leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the team. This victory marked his seventh championship and further solidified his reputation as the GOAT.
Brady’s legacy is not just about statistics or championships; it’s about his impact on the game itself. He redefined what it meant to be a quarterback in the NFL. His approach to preparation, his attention to detail, and his relentless pursuit of excellence set a new standard for future generations of players.
Tom Brady during the Netflix Roast
Brady’s leadership on and off the field inspired countless athletes
His work ethic became the benchmark for success, despite all his accomplishments, Brady remained humble and focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades. His leadership was characterized by his ability to inspire those around him, whether it was in the huddle or in the locker room.
Brady’s teammates often spoke about how his presence increased their play and gave them confidence in the most critical moments. It was this leadership that made him not only a great quarterback but also a great teammate and a true winner.
As Tom Brady’s career draws to a close, his legacy as the GOAT of the gridiron is secure. His seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVPs, and countless other records will stand the test of time.
But it’s his unmatched ability to perform in clutch moments, his consistency throughout his career, and his leadership that truly sets him apart from his peers. Brady’s career is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a relentless desire to be the best.
Tom Brady has forever changed the game of football. His legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time is undeniable, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Whether it’s his incredible performances in the postseason or his work ethic behind the scenes, Brady’s impact on the sport of football is immeasurable. The GOAT of the gridiron? Without a doubt, Tom Brady’s unparalleled legacy will be remembered as one of the greatest ever in the history of the NFL.
Even in retirement, Tom Brady’s presence looms large over the NFL’s biggest stage.
As the confetti settled and Philadelphia fans celebrated a well-earned Super Bowl LVIII victory, an undeniable truth lingered—Tom Brady’s influence on the game remains as strong as ever.
While the Eagles lifted the Lombardi Trophy, the quarterback who has haunted their history continued to shape the conversation, proving that even in retirement, his legacy is inseparable from the NFL’s grandest stage.
Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, changed the sport in ways that will outlast individual seasons and single-game victories.
His ability to elevate teammates, redefine longevity, and perform under pressure set a standard that today’s stars strive to reach. This year’s Super Bowl may not have featured Brady under center, but his impact was felt across the league, reminding everyone why he remains the gold standard.
The GOAT Standard: Can Anyone Match It?
As quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen continue their rise, one question looms large—can anyone replicate what Brady accomplished?
The Super Bowl is the ultimate proving ground, yet no active player comes close to his seven championships and countless clutch performances.
Mahomes, often labeled as the heir apparent, has showcased brilliance with his mix of improvisation, leadership, and big-game poise.
However, reaching Brady’s level requires more than talent; it demands sustained excellence for two decades. The challenge isn’t just winning a few rings—it’s dominating for a generation, as Brady did.
Brady’s Super Bowl Legacy: More Than Just Wins
Numbers alone don’t define Tom Brady’s Super Bowl dominance.
From underdog to GOAT—Brady’s Super Bowl dominance is a legacy that won’t fade.
His legacy is built on legendary moments—overcoming a 28-3 deficit against the Falcons, outdueling Patrick Mahomes in a title game, and outlasting Father Time with a championship in his 40s.
His presence in the sport extended beyond the field. Opposing teams built rosters specifically to counter him. Coaches devised schemes aimed at disrupting his rhythm.
Every Super Bowl for two decades had one common theme: Would Brady win, or would someone finally stop him?
Post-Brady Era: A Changing NFL Landscape
With Brady’s retirement, the league has entered an era where no single player commands the same gravitational pull. The playoffs now feel more open, with multiple teams believing they have a shot at the title.
However, as the NFL continues to evolve, the question remains—will another quarterback dominate the way Brady did?
While this year’s Super Bowl belonged to Philadelphia, the echoes of Brady’s greatness still resonate. His impact on preparation, mental toughness, and game management continues to shape young quarterbacks looking to reach his level.
Brady’s Influence Lives On
Super Bowl LVIII belonged to the Eagles, but the night also reinforced a reality—Tom Brady’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the NFL. His influence won’t fade with time, and every championship moving forward will be compared to the dynasty he built.
Brady didn’t need to take a snap to be a winner this Super Bowl Sunday. His legacy was already cemented, his records standing tall, and his impact shaping the future.
And as the league looks ahead to new contenders and champions, one thing is certain—Brady’s shadow will always loom over the biggest stage in sports.
Tom Brady posts cryptic message about love after ex-wife gives birth
Tom Brady shared a romantic message on social media one day after news broke that his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, had given birth. On Wednesday, TMZ reported that the Brazilian supermodel, 44, welcomed her first child with her boyfriend, Joaquim Valente.
Brady posted a cryptic quote on his Instagram Story Thursday that read, “I really think the secret to being loved is to love. And the secret to being interesting is to be interested. And the secret to having others find beauty in you is to find beauty in others. And the secret to having a friend is being a friend.” Brady added three heart emojis and the words, “Love this.”
Earlier, after Bündchen announced she was pregnant, Brady shared another cryptic post. He posted a photo of a sunset with The Chicks’ cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” featuring emotional lyrics by Stevie Nicks. Brady added three red heart emojis to the post.
Tom Brady in Paris
The internet quickly speculated that Brady’s posts were his reaction to Bündchen’s pregnancy news.
Brady and Bündchen finalized their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage. The two agreed to end their marriage “after much consideration.” Brady shared on social media that the decision was painful but that they wished each other the best as they moved forward.
Bündchen acknowledged that ending a marriage is never easy, but they had grown apart. She added that they would continue to co-parent their children, Benjamin Rein, 14, and Vivian Lake, 11, and provide them with love and care.
Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly laughs during practice in Carson
Chip Kelly understands the challenge ahead of him, but as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator, he is excited about joining an AFC West filled with top-tier head coaches and quarterbacks.
“I heard that from some people, do you really want to go in that division?” Kelly said during a Zoom call on Wednesday.
“But I think if you’re a competitor, you do. And if you have a chance to win that division, then that means you beat the best, and the best that’s playing in football right now is the Chiefs.”
Kansas City, led by coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is aiming for a third straight Super Bowl title when it plays the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in New Orleans.
The division also features coach-quarterback combinations like Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Sean Payton and Bo Nix with the Denver Broncos.
All three teams made the playoffs last season, while Las Vegas finished with a 4-13 record and changed coaches, moving from Antonio Pierce to Pete Carroll. With Carroll’s arrival, every head coach in the division has appeared in the Super Bowl, though only Harbaugh has not won one yet.
Kelly mentioned that working with Carroll played a big role in his decision to take the job, and he had productive talks with owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, and minority owner Tom Brady.
“The tradition of this program speaks for itself,” Kelly said. “To the catch phrases that I think everybody uses in everyday life, ’Just win, baby.’”
Kelly was the offensive coordinator for Ohio State’s national championship team last season after previously being the head coach at Oregon and UCLA, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
Tom Brady and Aidan Hutchinson before the game
In hiring Kelly, the Raiders hope to revive an offense that was one of the worst in the league last season, ranking fourth-worst with 303.2 yards per game and last in rushing with an average of 79.8 yards.
Addressing the quarterback position is a top priority, but Kelly says he is still getting to know the team and figuring out what players will be available through the draft or free agency. Las Vegas holds the No. 6 pick in the upcoming draft.
“So I think it’s really your evaluation of the personnel that’s available to you and then fitting them into that system,” Kelly said.
Kelly earned a reputation as an innovative offensive coach while at Oregon, first as offensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008, then as head coach for the following four seasons. He posted a 46-7 record, including an appearance in the Bowl Championship Series national championship game in the 2010 season, and finished in the top four of the AP poll in his last three years.
He then moved to Philadelphia, where he coached for three seasons, with a 10-6 record in each of his first two years. After a 6-9 record in 2015, he was let go. The 49ers hired Kelly, but he was fired after one season with a 2-14 record.
Kelly returned to college football in 2018 with UCLA but struggled early on, with losing records in his first three seasons. However, the Bruins went 25-13 in his last three years.
After the 2023 season, Kelly left UCLA to join Ohio State as their offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes dominated the College Football Playoff, scoring 83 points in the first two rounds before beating Texas 28-14 in the semifinals and Notre Dame 34-23 in the championship game.
Even though Tom Brady’s performance in the Fox Sports booth won’t show up on the scoreboard during Sunday’s Super Bowl, he’s trying to take the same approach he did in his 10 previous Super Bowl appearances as a player.
Brady spoke about his transition to broadcasting and other topics on Wednesday during a conference call before Sunday’s game in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles.
This was the first time Brady had spoken to the media in this setting. He’s appeared frequently on Colin Cowherd’s show on FS1 during the season.
“There’s no scoreboard for us. Did we feel we approached the game the right way, and were we prepared? It comes down to two things: Was I confident in what I said, and did I enjoy myself? If the answer is yes, then we did a good job,” Brady said. “I’m very excited for what’s ahead.”
Brady has received as much attention as an analyst as he did throughout his 23 seasons as quarterback for the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won seven Super Bowls.
While most people think his first year as a broadcaster hasn’t been as strong as Tony Romo’s debut with CBS in 2017, Brady hasn’t struggled as much as other former players and coaches who have tried broadcasting.
Kevin Burkhardt, who’s calling his second Super Bowl, said he’s noticed Brady’s comfort level grow as the season has gone on.
“I think there’s a reason that not everybody dives into this end of the pool because it’s hard to be on TV for 3 1/2 hours every week and not have an edit button and go back and hit the delete button,” Burkhardt said.
“The goal was for us as a team to improve and get better throughout the year. With anyone new, it takes time to build chemistry, whether they’re a TV veteran or not. It just takes time on task. I’m proud of where we are.”
Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox in May 2022 while still playing for Tampa Bay. He retired after that season and decided in February 2023 to take a year off before moving into broadcasting.
Burkhardt and Brady had plenty of practice during the season, but most of it took place on the Fox Sports lot in Los Angeles and wasn’t seen by millions. Brady knew the learning curve would be tough but was ready for the challenge.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels watches from the sideline during an NFL football game
“To use your voice and vision for a live television audience, there’s a lot of adrenaline in that, but it was very different from when I played. I would see all these things, but I didn’t have to say them,” Brady explained.
“I knew subconsciously what to do, and my body just took over because that’s how I trained it. When you embrace uncertainty, you work as hard as you can to prepare yourself, knowing you’ll want to redo some things. I’ve enjoyed the learning curve.
“I love the chance to take the viewer inside the way I see things. It’s simple in some ways, complicated in others. I feel like our crew is hitting our stride. We know each other better every week. Hopefully, this will be our best game yet.”
Brady said he has gotten feedback from Fox Sports and has heard from Tony Romo, NBC’s Cris Collinsworth, and Amazon Prime Video’s Al Michaels.
Along with his approach as an analyst, questions have arisen about his dual roles in calling games and being a 5% limited owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL has set rules preventing Brady from taking part in Fox’s production meetings with teams — either in person or via Zoom — watching practices, or stepping foot in a team’s training facility.
Fox Sports president of production and operations/executive producer Brad Zager said last month that claims of a conflict of interest between Brady’s role as a broadcaster and his position with the Raiders are unfounded.
Brady will be allowed to attend production meetings with players and coaches from the Chiefs and Eagles this week, but he won’t be able to watch practices.
Brady said not attending production meetings hasn’t impacted his preparation for games, though there are some things he misses out on.
“I think the best part (of production meetings) is that genuine relationships are built over time, and it’s a shared experience with people on your own crew during calls and discussions,” he said.
“For research, I listen to press conferences all week. To me, there’s no difference in a media member asking a question in a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday press conference than if I or the crew asked it.”
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones celebrates with teammates after an interception
Brady didn’t directly say how much of a role he played in the Raiders’ hiring of head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek, and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Owner Mark Davis recently said Brady helped lead a committee that brought Carroll and Spytek to the Raiders.
“I’m there to support the team, the leadership, and the overall vision for success,” Brady said. “This approach as a broadcaster has been all-encompassing this year. Mark Davis is the owner of the Raiders, and I play a supportive, complementary role to the vision he sets. That will unfold in its own time.”
While Brady’s Patriots fell short of achieving three straight Super Bowls, he said he would be happy to see Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team in Super Bowl history to achieve that feat.
It would also be Mahomes’ fourth championship, bringing him closer to Brady’s title record, which many thought would never be surpassed when he retired.
“I love seeing others achieve great things, and for anyone to take away from what Patrick is doing, I don’t believe that takes away from what I accomplished in my career,” Brady said.
“The reality is we all have our journeys. Comparisons are fun for the media because they offer a different perspective and context that people can write and talk about. But as a competitor, I never saw it that way, and I still don’t today, even in the role I’m in now.”
