Fox Sports is making a significant investment, shelling out $375 million to bring Tom Brady into the broadcast booth, and the network wants to ensure everyone is aware of his presence.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion made his debut as an NFL analyst during the Fox broadcast of the season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Preceding his first appearance, viewers were treated to a Brady hype video leading into the pregame show, where the studio team couldn’t help but “fanboy” over their new colleague.
“You’re a broadcaster, how about that!” play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt remarked as the camera cut to the booth in Cleveland. Brady, dressed in a coat and tie, made his first live on-screen appearance. The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback was introduced as a “7-time Super Bowl champion,” a title flaunting his illustrious career.
Sideline reporter Erin Andrews made a point of mentioning to Dallas coach Mike McCarthy that Brady had praised his play-calling. Charissa Thompson gave Brady a few shout-outs during score updates on the game between Tampa Bay, one of his former teams, and the Washington Commanders.
Burkhardt humorously noted that he paid extra attention to his hair, anticipating more shots of the broadcast booth. “I do what they tell me. I understand that,” Brady responded with a chuckle. “I’m still a rookie in here.”
To the viewers, Brady’s novice status was evident. While his commentary was informed, it lacked the personality of seasoned analysts like Tony Romo with his play predictions, John Madden’s exclaimed “Boom!” and turducken references, or Peyton Manning’s signature quarter-zip sweaters.
There were awkward laughs, an uncomfortable fist-bump with rules analyst Mike Pereira, and numerous instances of referring to players by their first names, including deferring to “Coach McCarthy.” Brady refrained from criticizing Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper for a fourth-quarter pass drop and made excuses for the Browns while searching for positives in their subpar performance.
As one social media user put it, “Tom Brady is to broadcasting as Michael Jordan is to baseball.”
Of course, Brady, who entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick and began his career as the Patriots’ fourth-string quarterback, eventually thrived on the field. Brady called for Deshaun Watson to throw to an open tight end during one play, but the Browns quarterback missed the opportunity.
Having retired after the 2022 season, Brady’s illustrious 23-year career saw him become the most decorated player in NFL history. He signed a 10-year deal with Fox Sports, replacing the respected Greg Olsen as the network’s lead analyst. Brady’s absence from broadcasting last year only heightened the anticipation of his debut in the booth, raising questions about whether he could transition his on-field acumen to the analyst’s chair.
A commercial aired shortly before kickoff featured Brady in various football uniforms conversing with his current self, contemplating why he didn’t just enjoy his $450 million career earnings and relax. “What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football? They don’t understand that you live and breathe for football. Because you’re Tom Freaking Brady,” a series of helmeted Bradys said. “And our football journey isn’t even close to done.” Brady responded, “Back to work.”
Brady’s career boasts five Super Bowl MVP awards from his seven titles, which include six with New England and one with Tampa Bay. He holds career records in wins, playoff wins, passing touchdowns, and passing yards, among other accolades.
While his career wasn’t without controversy, notably the Deflategate scandal that led to a four-game suspension, Brady often stayed out of the spotlight when it came to controversial statements. However, in his new role, he faces some restrictions due to his attempt to purchase a minority share in the Las Vegas Raiders, limiting his access compared to other broadcasters. He must also adhere to league rules prohibiting public criticism of officials and clubs, although he can still broadcast Raiders games.
Brady’s much-anticipated debut shifted focus from the game between the defending NFC East champion Cowboys, who newly signed quarterback Dak Prescott to a record-setting four-year, $240 million contract, and a Browns team with low playoff expectations.
As the final 30 seconds of the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory ticked away, Brady and Burkhardt reflected on their new partnership as much as the game. In the studio, Michael Strahan named Brady—not any of the players—the day’s biggest winner. Brady shared a piece of advice from Strahan: “You’re going to wake up tomorrow, on Monday morning, you ain’t going to be sore.”
“That,” Brady concluded, “I’m very happy about.”
