Tom Brady‘s transition from NFL legend to Las Vegas Raiders minority owner is already turning heads-and stirring controversy. The latest move raising eyebrows? The team’s decision to invite wide receiver Kyle Ford to rookie minicamp.
Ford, a former five-star recruit who played at both USC and UCLA, wasn’t selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He didn’t sign with a team as an undrafted free agent either. But then, out of nowhere, the Raiders extended a rookie minicamp invite. What changed?
Possibly, a little help from family.
Ford is dating Maya Brady-Tom’s niece and a softball superstar at UCLA who was recently drafted into the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Tom has long praised Maya as “the most dominant athlete in the Brady family-by far,” and he’s been her most vocal supporter. After Ford‘s strong showing in the Las Vegas Bowl, Maya posted a heartfelt “I adore you” message. Shortly afterward, Ford was headed to Vegas.
Coincidence? Fans online aren’t so sure. Some speculate Ford‘s opportunity may be more about his relationship with Maya and his connection to Brady than purely football merit.
Is Kyle Ford deserving of a chance?
That said, there’s football logic, too. Ford‘s college career, though plagued by injuries, showed promise. He recorded 88 catches for nearly 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns over six seasons. While those numbers aren’t eye-popping, they’re respectable, especially when you consider the adversity he faced. Plus, Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly coached Ford during his stint at UCLA. That connection surely didn’t hurt.
Still, the timing is what has people talking. No teams looked Ford’s way during or after the draft-until Brady’s Raiders stepped in.
Now, Ford enters rookie camp with something to prove. He’s got the NFL size-6’2″, 225 pounds-and the physical tools to compete. The Raiders also just converted sixth-round quarterback Tommy Mellott into a wide receiver project, signaling their interest in unconventional prospects.
Ford isn’t chasing a starting job right away. He’s hunting for a shot-at a practice squad role, a preseason flash, anything to stay in the league. And in a city built on longshots, this gamble might pay off.
Sure, the optics suggest this could be a family favor. But if Ford makes the most of his chance, none of that will matter.
In Vegas, it’s not about how you get your seat at the table. It’s about what you do with it.
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