Tom Brady reveals why he took 'gap year' before starting Fox job

Some assumed in February 2023 that Tom Brady waiting until this coming September to become Fox's lead NFL analyst was related to his potential desire to end his second playing retirement and feature for a team this past season.

Brady addressed that topic during the latest episode of the "SI Media With Jimmy Traina" podcast.

"For me, it was the only way to do it [take a year off]," Brady explained, as shared by Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post. "I realized, to come off a playing season and then to jump right into that, it’s a whole other discipline to learn. And I really wanted to take some time to watch, listen, learn, talk to people, people who I really see as the greatest at what they’ve done."

Brady announced his "for good" retirement on Feb. 1, 2023, but repeatedly declined that spring to confirm he absolutely wouldn't sign with any team as a free agent. 

He eventually sounded committed to staying retired after it was learned that he wanted to purchase a minority share of the Las Vegas Raiders. He reportedly spent portions of last season preparing for his Fox gig and receiving advice from accomplished broadcasters such as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.

"Everyone really opened their arms to embrace me and phone calls, and there are still more that I’m going to make before the start of the season," Brady continued while speaking with Traina. "And I’m just very grateful for the people that kind of shared a lot of incredible nuggets, ways to succeed, that I’ll be able to involve myself in as I go forward."

It's now known that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted to sign Brady last offseason when Brock Purdy was recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Brady seemingly never came close to inking such a deal, and he spoke during different interviews this week like a 46-year-old who is ready to analyze the game from the booth.

"Sometimes I get a little too serious because I see myself as quarterback Tom Brady, as opposed to 'let’s enjoy a great game of football, Tom Brady,'" the seven-time Super Bowl champion told Traina. "Sometimes I may come off a little too critical, so I’m trying to make sure I have the right tone. I was tough on my teammates… I was fiery and competitive. I want to make sure that doesn’t — I’m very specific about how I think the game should be played. And I want to see the game evolve and grow."

Brady and play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt will be on the call for the Week 1 game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on Sept. 8. 

One can't help but wonder if Brady will feel an itch to throw a pass or two while watching Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson battle it out at Cleveland Browns Stadium.