Tom Brady may have dominated the NFL for over two decades, but his transition to the broadcast booth is proving far less smooth, and critics are beginning to take notice.
The former quarterback, now under a $375 million, 10-year contract with Fox Sports, is being scrutinised for what many see as a lackluster presence on air.
One of the most vocal detractors is former ESPN personality Dan Le Batard, who took aim at Brady on his podcast, saying the former star is actively taking away from the viewing experience.
“At this point, the highest-paid broadcaster in broadcasting, Tom Brady, is distracting me during games because he’s still bad at this,” Le Batard said. “It’s not even that he’s neutral or mediocre or milquetoast or just there, and I don’t notice him. I’m noticing, and he’s distracting me with it not being good.”
Calls for improvement grow louder in year two
Though Brady has acknowledged the need to grow into his new role – calling it a “very positive challenge” – Le Batard sees little evidence of progress.
“If he hasn’t improved yet, what gives you the indication that he’s going to improve?” he asked. “Because I’ve seen no indication so far… that he’s capable of making memorable content.”
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Common complaints from fans include his overuse of football clichés and repetitive praise, such as constantly referring to players as “studs.” More controversially, Brady continues to face backlash over his dual role as an analyst and part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Addressing the concerns in his newsletter, Brady pushed back, calling the criticism rooted in “paranoia” and “distrust.”
“I feel I have a moral and ethical duty to the sport,” he wrote. “The point where my roles in it intersect is not actually a point of conflict… Rather, it’s the place from which my ethical duty emerges.”
Despite the high hopes attached to his contract, Brady is now under increasing pressure to prove he belongs in the booth just as much as he did on the field.
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