Tom Brady’s highly anticipated debut in the broadcast booth for Fox Sports didn’t quite live up to the massive hype. After a year of build-up, the NFL legend officially stepped into his 10-year, $375 million contract as Fox’s lead NFL analyst during the Cleveland Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. However, it seems the transition from throwing touchdowns to breaking down plays on live television didn’t go as smoothly as many had hoped.
Fans took to social media immediately after Brady’s on-air debut, and the response was swift and brutal. Within just 20 minutes of the broadcast, users on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) were calling his performance “atrocious.” Comments ranged from criticism of his delivery to some snarky jabs about his ability to put sentences together.
One particularly sharp post mocked, “Tom Brady hasn’t stuttered this much since he told Gisele he had one more year in him,” referencing his un-retirement saga that preceded his split from Gisele Bündchen.
Others criticized the actual content of Brady’s analysis, pointing out awkward phrasing like, “It’s hard to make 10, but really hard to make 20 yards.” Fans were quick to question if this was the level of insight Fox expected when they shelled out a record-breaking contract for the former quarterback. “Maybe someone should have listened to Tom Brady actually say words before dropping $300 million on him,” quipped another user.
Throughout his on-field career, Brady has often been regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history, boasting seven Super Bowl rings, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and countless records.
Yet, for many watching his broadcast debut, his expertise on the field didn’t quite translate into expertise in the booth. One viewer remarked, “Tom Brady is the worst announcer in the NFL,” while another joked, “Tom Brady finally found something he’s terrible at.”
But it wasn’t just Brady’s performance that had fans talking. Many lamented Fox’s decision to bump Greg Olsen from the lead analyst role to make room for Brady. Olsen, a former NFL tight end, had won praise for his work behind the mic and quickly built a fanbase.
After his demotion, some viewers were left missing his smooth commentary. “Greg Olsen is way better than Tom Brady in the booth,” one fan claimed, while others expressed disappointment that Olsen was sidelined for someone they felt was still getting comfortable in the new role.
While Brady’s broadcasting debut was rocky, some fans were more forgiving, acknowledging that nerves likely played a part. “Tom Brady does not sound comfortable in the booth just yet. Understandable in his first game,” one fan noted. However, the question remains whether Brady can find his rhythm before the pressure mounts, with the expectation that he will headline coverage for Super Bowl LIX at the end of the season.
As for Brady, he’s no stranger to adversity. Just as he rose to the top of the NFL after being drafted as a sixth-round pick, he may find a way to adjust to life in the booth. Still, after a rocky first outing, it’s clear that fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if he can deliver on the massive expectations that come with his contract and his legendary status.
