Tom Brady is all set for his second year in the booth.
The NFL legend, who was a seven-time Super Bowl champion across his 23-year career, signed a 10-year, $375million deal with Fox to be the network’s lead color analyst in 2022.
Brady is set for his second year as a Fox NFL broadcasterAFP VIA GETTYThat deal began in 2024 and he now has one season of experience under his belt, which culminated in calling Super Bowl LIX in February of this year.
Ahead of the new NFL year, which kicks off in September, Brady has taken some time to think about what kind of broadcaster he wants to be.
During an interview with Complex Sports, the iconic quarterback discussed how his early broadcasting career has gone, and was asked specifically about how he calls games that involve Patrick Mahomes.
It was noted that Brady has been ‘very supportive’ of the Kansas City Chiefs signal caller chasing down his records, and that he doesn’t come across as ‘threatened’ by the three-time Super Bowl champion.
Responding to that suggestion, Brady explained why he doesn’t plan on criticizing the Chiefs star, who has recently revealed teammate Travis Kelce’s mindset heading into his 13th season, any time soon.
“How can I throw shade at someone who’s as amazing as (Mahomes) is?” the 47-year-old, who has admitted one major regret with his Fox contract, asked.
“I know what he’s been through. And I think the one position that I’m in now as a broadcaster, I do feel responsibility to tell the fans what I see and be honest and upfront about everything, but also realize that what these guys are doing on the field is extremely difficult.
“It’s a high level of skill. You’re looking at any of the 32 teams who have a starting quarterback out there.
“That guy is one of the best in the world at what he does.
“So, do they make the right plays all the time? Certainly not. By the way, neither did I. And I think you have to have this context and perspective.”
Brady has insisted he has nothing to criticise Chiefs star Mahomes over Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner himself, is under a 10-year Fox dealGettyDuring the 2024 regular season, Brady called the Week 7 Chiefs/San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl rematch for Fox.
Mahomes and Co. won that game 28-18 and Brady, who had been under the microscope for much of his debut year in the booth, won plenty of plaudits when he joked that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was the ‘bane of his existence’.
Back in 2007, Spagnuolo and the New York Giants defense were able to stop Brady and end the New England Patriots‘ perfect season in Super Bowl XLII.
The NFL legend’s call back, 17 years later, delighted viewers and proved to be the exact kind of moment fans were hoping to hear from someone like him, who knows the game better than almost anyone else.
Brady was also on the call for Kansas City’s Super Bowl heartbreak, and empathized with Mahomes in the latter stages of February’s 40-22 loss.
“It hurts to lose this game,” he said.
Brady empathized with Mahomes as he had a game to forget in Super Bowl LIXgetty“We lost to the Giants in 2007. That was 17 years ago. We were on the precipice of history and we faced a Giants team that played their hearts out that day and beat us.
“I still haven’t really lived it down, because you care so deeply. And I know that this Chiefs team does as well.
“Patrick is the ultimate competitor. The reality of a loss in this game is you don’t ever get over them.”
While Brady’s own experience at the top level no doubt feeds into his analysis, and helps to explain why he will never be too hard on Mahomes, or anyone else, some fans have suggested he should at least be open to offering some criticizm.
“If he’s resigning himself to never criticize him, then he’s declining to offer his objective opinion. What is he in the booth for if not that?” one person questioned.
“Even the best athletes have a bad game or moment from time to time. You have to be as objective as possible and call it how you see it,” another said.
“Pat gonna throw three picks and Brady gonna blame the left tackle lol,” a third joked.
There is no doubt that Brady grew into his role as a broadcaster as the 2024 season rolled on, and while he still has plenty to learn as he heads into year two of a decade-long deal, millions will be tuning in to hear what he has to say again next season.
Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our NFL Facebook page, subscribe to our talkSPORT End Zone YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Feel responsibility’ – Tom Brady addresses claims of Patrick Mahomes bias during Fox broadcasts )
Also on site :