Tom Brady Officially Violated FCC's Broadcasting Rules Sunday

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tom Brady Officially Violated FCC's Broadcasting Rules Sunday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Sep 20, 2026 8:54 PM ET

Tom Brady said a curse word live on FOX’s broadcast on Sunday.

The Dallas Cowboys topped the Washington Commanders in impressive fashion on Sunday. Dallas topped Washington, 37-20, in a Week 2 game. But while the Commanders lost to a divisional rival, they also lost starting quarterback Jayden Daniels to injury. Daniels suffered a graphic elbow injury at the end of the first half.

Brady cursed live on the air, as FOX showed a replay of the Washington Commanders quarterback’s injury.

The NFL announcer then apologized, admitting that he was surprised to see the replay look so bad.

Unfortunately for Brady, that’s an FCC violation.

Brady and FOX could be hit with a fine from the FCC following the on-air swearing by the lead NFL announcer.

NFL announcer violates FCC rules

“Tom Brady just said the word: “(expletive)” on the Fox broadcast of the Commanders-Cowboys NFL game,” Michael Socolow shared on X.

“That’s a violation of the F.C.C.’s indecency rules, but the “fleeting indecency” question still remains unclear (see below) even though F.C.C. has used it.”

Tom Brady just said the word: “sh-t” on the Fox broadcast of the Commanders-Cowboys NFL game.

That’s a violation of the F.C.C.’s indecency rules, but the “fleeting indecency” question still remains unclear (see below) even though F.C.C. has used it. https://t.co/uTsAacYX8L
— Michael Socolow (@MichaelSocolow) September 20, 2026

It was a genuine reaction from Brady, and NFL fans can probably appreciate it. Most NFL fans were stunned to see Daniels suffering another graphic injury. It’s brutal to see something like that, live on TV.

FOX, meanwhile, likely doesn’t have too much of a problem with it. Brady has shown a lot of improvement as he’s entering his third year in the broadcasting booth. You want those kind of natural reactions, too.

Of course, moving forward, FOX would likely appreciate it if Brady can keep the swearing to a minimum as the 2026 season goes on. FCC fines can add up, even for a network as massive as FOX.

The 2026 NFL regular season will continue next week, with big games on FOX and CBS.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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