FOX have been assured that Tom Brady’s ownership role with the Las Vegas Raiders won’t affect his work with the network.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently purchased a 10% stake in the Raiders, who are set to tap into his colossal knowledge, especially when it comes to their search for a new quarterback in the offseason. Prior to Brady’s part-ownership being approved, there were talks between Raiders owner Mark Davis and FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks.
Brady is tied to the network for the next 10 years after agreeing a $375million deal. Therefore, FOX, understandably, would not want their prized analyst’s work being compromised.
Addressing those delicate discussions, Davis said (via Front Office Sports): "Obviously, them [FOX] having the Super Bowl gives them an extra two weeks where he's going to be tied to FOX. We expected this job with FOX and promised Eric Shanks we would not get in the way of him doing his job."
Davis added that Brady currently had an “undefined” role. He said: "He communicates quite often [with the ownership group], but it's not a day-to-day role. His role is undefined right now."
Quarterback is a priority area for the Raiders ahead of next season, and who better to consult than the best-ever? Davis confirmed that Brady “will have to something to say” on that front.
“He’s competitive and he’s very thorough in everything he does,” said Davis. “He has an innate way of communicating that other people can understand. I am excited and really grateful that he’s part of the Raiders organization.”
Brady’s role with the Raiders comes with some caveats. He is not allowed to be part of pre-game team production meetings or to interview players and coaches behind the scenes. Also, Brady cannot publicly criticize officials or teams.
Addressing his dual role with the Raiders and FOX, the 47-year-old recently told golfer Bryson DeChambeau's YouTube channel: "I get to be involved in the NFL for as long as I'm around, basically, because of ownership.
"Being a broadcaster has been amazing, but also knowing beyond that, I get to be involved in the sport I love for the rest of my life and try to impact the game in a positive way and call out what I like, what I don't like."
