NFL insider Mike Florio has an interesting theory about Tom Brady: he thinks the legendary former quarterback is spreading himself too thin and he’s getting tired of his current gig as a commentator.
In a recent appearance on “The Varsity” podcast, Florio revealed that he had been hearing word that Brady wanted to become more involved in the production side of things at Fox Sports, where he serves as lead commentator for NFL on Fox.
Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady on the sidelines during warm ups prior to the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Levis Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images© Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images
However, strict league rules prohibit Brady from becoming too involved in broadcast production, as he is also a minority-stake owner in the Las Vegas Raiders. It is a fairly basic conflict of interest clause, but, according to Florio, he thinks it may be souring the seven-time Super Bowl winner toward working as a commentator and dividing his attention.
“There’s an interesting theory that’s making the rounds in league circles, because there had been teams that have said to the league, ‘We want Tom Brady to be involved in the production meetings,'” Florio said. “And through that push and pull because the [NFL] says no, no, no, no, no exceptions even if you waive it. It doesn’t matter.”
Earlier this year, Fox announced that Brady had signed on to become their lead color commentator, making him the highest-paid analyst in sports broadcasting history. His 10-year, $375 million contract surpassed the previous records set by Troy Aikman and Tony Romo of CBS.
It was later confirmed that Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen would take over as Fox’s new #1 broadcast team, with Olsen remaining until Brady retires. Brady made his debut with Fox during the NFL’s opening weekend on September 8, when the Cleveland Browns hosted the Dallas Cowboys.
According to Florio’s speculations, the bloom may already be off the Fox rose for Brady.
“There’s been a sense that maybe Brady doesn’t really want to do it anyway,” Florio told “The Varsity.” “Because you think of how thinly he’s spread, all of the different things that he’s doing…Him being an owner and him being a broadcaster I think it keeps him from being the absolute best he could ever be. And it just always seemed beneath him — he’s Tom Brady… I just wonder how many years he’ll continue to do it.”
It is fair to say this is all Florio’s conjecture and that Brady has not yet given indication that he’s already itching to leave the world of broadcast. But, if he is, that will be a historically fast turnaround for the legendary QB.