For much of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady's NFL career he was viewed as the leader, the example of how to do the job right, and the mentor to many a player.
While it's been nearly two decades since Brady was himself a guidance-seeker who didn't have solid footing in his profession, the Buccaneers and New England Patriots legend now finds himself in those shoes again.
As the most accomplished Tampa Bay quarterback in franchise history embarks on his new profession, he's finding a need to reach out to those who may be able to help him debut as a television broadcaster for the first time this coming season.
“He’s reached out to me for advice,” fellow NFL legend Peyton Manning told The Athletic. “I said, ‘Tom, I watch football from my neighbor’s garage on Monday nights. I’m not sure I’m worthy of being called for advice for what you’re about to do.'”
Manning has had several successful jumps into television including commercials, appearances on Saturday Night Live, and co-hosting the ManningCast on ESPN during Monday Night Football with his brother and former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
While ManningCast is certainly a television broadcast, it's done in a much looser method than the traditional form of calling a game during one of FOX Sports' typical airings.
Manning's knowledge of the game shines through in more of a 'hanging with your friend' sort of manner than having the game described to you by someone with an elevated perch.
Granted, that friend you're hanging with has a knowledge of the game exponentially greater than most.
That's the kind of knowledge most assume Brady also has. The question is whether or not he can deliver it the way he delivered his 7,753 completions during his career.
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