Tom Brady’s $375 million deal with Fox to become an NFL analyst and game commentator might be in jeopardy, according to a recent report by Andrew Marcia from the New York Post. On a recent episode of the Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, Marchand revealed that after speaking with some individuals close to Brady, there is a possibility that the football legend could walk away from the lucrative contract.
“I’ve talked to a couple of people recently close to Brady, and I kind of feel like I’m going more 49 percent chance he does it, 51 percent chance he doesn’t,” Marchand shared. “I don’t think he wants to travel that much… I think Brady’s a guy who, if he’s in, he’s all in. So he’s not going to be showing up day of games like Joe Buck and [Troy] Aikman do sometimes. He’s going to be there early if he’s going to do it, so it’s a four-day event… He shares his kids with Gisele [Bundchen]. I think that’s very important to him, and he can make money elsewhere.”
This potential move by Brady could have significant implications for Fox, as they had secured a 10-year deal with him before his retirement from the NFL in 2022. The original plan was for Brady to join the Fox broadcast booth in the fall of 2024, positioning him as one of the network’s biggest assets. During the 2022 season, Fox’s top team comprised Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen. There were even rumors that Brady would participate in Fox’s coverage of Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, but that scenario didn’t materialize.
Shortly after the news of his potential departure from the deal surfaced, Brady took to Instagram to address the report, dismissing it as ‘fake news.’ This statement from the quarterback has added an element of uncertainty to the situation, leaving fans and pundits wondering about his final decision.
If Brady does indeed walk away from the deal, it will undoubtedly leave a void at Fox. The network had high hopes for Brady’s contribution to their football coverage, and his absence would be a significant setback. However, given Brady’s dedication to his family and the possibility of exploring other lucrative opportunities, it remains to be seen what his final choice will be.
The sports media industry will be closely monitoring the situation, awaiting official confirmation from Brady or Fox about the status of the deal. Until then, speculation will run rife, and fans will eagerly anticipate the football legend’s next move. One thing is certain: Brady’s decision, whatever it may be, will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the broadcasting landscape and his own legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
