Survey shows how NFL players really feel about Tom Brady's relationships with Fox, Raiders

Conflict-of-interest takes regarding living legend Tom Brady serving as both Fox's lead in-game analyst and as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders have hovered over the NFL for years. 

For a piece published on Friday, The Athletic asked players throughout the league if Brady should "be allowed to, essentially, run football operations in Vegas while also serving as the analyst for Fox Sports’ No. 1 booth." 

Outsiders who think Brady should "pick a lane" probably won't love many of the responses. 

NFL players make feelings on Tom Brady's Fox, Raiders roles quite clear

Over 84 percent of the players asked said they are just fine with Brady being directly associated with one franchise while working as a broadcaster of NFL games. 

"I feel like he's earned the right to do that," one unnamed defensive player from an AFC team explained about his vote. "He's respected by a lot of people, with him being one of the greatest to play the game."

Since the start of January, it's become clear that Raiders majority owner Mark Davis has handed the keys of his team's football operations over to Brady and general manager John Spytek. Meanwhile, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio is among those who have repeatedly campaigned for Brady to end his broadcasting career and run the Raiders. 

For an article posted last week, Brady insisted his "preparation is very much centered around what [he has] to do in broadcasting." Brady and Fox agreed to a 10-year deal reportedly worth $375M in 2022, so he has plenty of reasons to remain in his roles for as long as NFL owners will let him.

Not every player is a fan of Tom Brady being an owner and broadcaster

Multiple players noted that Brady "getting information and sharing it with the Raiders" didn't prevent the club from enduring a 3-14 campaign. 

"The Raiders f---ing suck," an NFC defensive veteran player pointed out. "How is it helping with that? What are we talking about?"

However, one AFC defensive player did say he felt the Brady situation is "just a conflict of interest." 

"Even if Tom is being careful," that player continued, "the optics are not good, and it could create an ugly situation down the road." 

Despite such protests, there's no indication Brady wants or will have to give up his Fox duties before the 2026 season gets underway. 

"You go sit in these broadcast meetings and you go sit with players," one NFC offensive player who voted no added. "There are guys that are going to be wary of what they’re saying. It’s like, one week, here’s Tom Brady in a production meeting, then there’s the Raiders way down (later on the schedule). But also, he’s Tom Brady. He could just watch film and (get) the answers."