Tom Brady Claps Back at Critics of His Fox Broadcasting Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Deveney | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 10:08 PM ET

In some segments of the NFL, when last year's news hit that retired star quarterback Tom Brady was not only going to be a part owner of the Raiders but was going to be allowed, simultaneously, to hold onto his role as a Fox lead broadcaster, there was kneejerk outrage. Certainly, the criticism suggested, it was unfair for an NFL owner of one team to be allowed to operate as a color analyst on the most high-profile games in the league.

In a conversation with Brady this week on his "PFF" podcast, Hall of Fame receiver Cris Collinsworth summed up the reaction by saying, "Paranoia runs amok in the National Football League, all these teams were convinced you were gonna get the secret sauce to their teams and advantage the Raiders with this whole thing."

It's something that has swirled around Brady for the past year, but not something he has directly addressed all that much. He gave it a metaphorical eye-roll.

How Does Tom Brady Justify Broadcasting Role?

Responding to Collinsworth, Brady said there is no secret information changing hands at television broadcast meetings. They're basically small-scale press conferences.

Said Brady: "I would listen to press conferences all week, anyway. Whether it’s the weekly coaches’ press conference that he has to do on a Wednesday or a Friday, I’d listen to that. The players all speak to the media. So, it’s not like you’re forcing players to answer a question.

"I always felt like, if I ask a question and they don’t want to answer it, I have no problem with it. The only thing I want to do is gain insight into the game, to help the viewers understand the game a little better."

NFL Loosens Restrictions on Raiders Part-Owner

The good news for Brady is that, after a year of operating under tight restrictions in terms of how he could approach his broadcasting role, the league has loosened the rules on what he can and can't do.

He is allowed to behave more like a reporter in production meetings.

"I think me asking questions in a production meeting is no different than a media member asking a question in a weekly press conference. They’re gonna answer it the same way. It’s nice for my crew to have me involved because, as a cohesive unit, and what we’re trying to do, that’s going to be a real positive," he said.

Tom Brady: 'I Am a Professional'

In the end, Brady said it is about professionalism and his reputation, both of which remain positive.

"I am a professional," he said. "I was a professional when I played, I’m a professional in this role. Ultimately, I want to be as prepared as I can be so the broadcast for our viewers is the best as possible."

Brady will get his first assignment with Fox this week in Washington for Giants-Commanders.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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