Tom Brady had restrictions about what he could and could not say in the FOX booth due to his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion can’t criticize officials or other clubs. But even if he didn’t have restrictions, Brady wouldn’t want to throw criticisms around on individual players — like Patrick Mahomes.
Even during Super Bowl LIX when the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback turned in one of his worst performances in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Brady wasn’t negative.
During a recent interview with Complex Sports, the former New England Patriots quarterback revealed why he won’t “throw shade” at Mahomes.
“How can I throw shade at someone who’s as amazing as he is?” Brady said. “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. A: 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.”
Whether Mahomes or anyone else, Brady realized during his first year as a broadcaster that his job isn’t about harsh critiques, but rather pointing out how great a player is.
“That’s what I want to do on TV,” Brady said. “And thought it was a great season because I’ve got a great team at FOX. And we’re going to keep building on the success we had in year one.”
Brady signed a lucrative 10-year deal with FOX before he retired in 2023. He knows Year 1 wasn’t perfect, and he’s ready to use them as a learning experience for a better Year 2.
But it’s clear he’s going to leave critiquing players out of his broadcasting.
