NFL Defends Tom Brady After Raiders Coaching Booth Controversy

The NFL has defended Tom Brady after fans raised questions about a potential conflict of interest when the legendary quarterback was spotted in the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching booth during Monday night’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders and lead NFL analyst for Fox, wore a headset alongside the coaching staff, sparking outrage on social media. Many questioned whether his dual roles crossed a line, given his access to team game plans and personnel through broadcast duties.

League: Brady Broke No Rules

On Tuesday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy clarified that Brady did not violate league policies.

“There are no policies that prohibit an owner from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game,” McCarthy said in a statement. “Brady was sitting in the booth in his capacity as a limited partner.”

The NFL emphasized that all booth personnel must abide by restrictions on electronic devices, with only league-issued equipment such as Microsoft Surface tablets permitted.

Brady, however, remains barred from attending team practices or production meetings at facilities. He can join production meetings remotely, conduct off-site interviews with players, and participate in broadcast-related activities, but cannot physically join team preparation.

Brady’s Unique Role Raises Eyebrows

While the league cleared him, the sight of Brady in the booth frustrated fans who saw it as unfair. Some pointed out that Brady had just broadcast the Chiefs-Eagles game in Week 1, involving a division rival, before being spotted with Raiders coaches in Week 2.

“Part owner who also happens to be a broadcaster who gets access to teams’ game plans… how is that fair?” one fan posted on X. Another wrote, “How is this still not a conflict of interest?”

The perception of impropriety lingers, especially since Brady regularly speaks with Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported that Kelly consults Brady two to three times a week about film and game plans, calling him “a luxury for the coaches.”

Head coach Pete Carroll downplayed those concerns, saying the interaction is less formal than reported. “I talk to Tom, Chip talks to Tom regularly. We have a tremendous asset,” Carroll said. “We just talk about life and football. He has great insight, so we’re lucky to have him as an owner.”

Brady’s Broadcasting Future

Brady, who signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox, is entering just his second season in the booth after his 23-year playing career. The NFL has already adjusted some policies — dubbed the “Brady Rules” — to allow him limited involvement with teams while maintaining boundaries.

This week, Brady will call the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Chicago Bears game on Sunday. The timing is notable since the Bears face the Raiders in Week 4, further fueling the ongoing debate over his overlapping responsibilities.

For now, the NFL insists Brady’s roles remain above board, but the optics of a broadcaster-owner with headset access continue to stir fan skepticism.