As Tom Brady faces questions about calling a divisional playoff game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders this weekend, Mike Francesa is more concerned with his ability to call a Super Bowl. Brady’s minority ownership with the Las Vegas Raiders has him operating under unprecedented restrictions as an analyst, with the NFL prohibiting him from taking part in production meetings with teams and players. Adding to the unique situation is that Brady will be calling a game this weekend featuring Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a candidate for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy.
Francesa was asked about Brady’s rookie season and his potential trajectory as a broadcaster on his podcast. The former WFAN icon expressed skepticism about Brady’s ability to adequately prepare for Super Bowl LIX alongside Kevin Burkhardt next month on Fox. “I think his first year in the booth will be his last year in the booth,” Francesa said. “The restrictions Tom is under make it difficult for him to do his job at the Super Bowl since he cannot attend other teams’ practices or meet with their personnel, coaches, or players.”
Francesa cited last week’s Denver Broncos-Buffalo Bills Wild Card game, where Jim Nantz and Tony Romo were on the call, as an example. While Broncos head coach Sean Payton may have been comfortable sharing his plans with Romo, Francesa questioned whether he would trust Brady with the same information. “These teams understand that broadcasters carry responsibilities,” he noted. “They will not allow Brady to be part of that because of his ownership with the Raiders. Super Bowl analysts watch practices, meet with head coaches and coordinators, and interact with key players as they prepare for games. Brady has none of that access, so I think this is short-lived.”
“But he is doing the Super Bowl this year,” Francesa continued. “Eventually, Burkhardt or someone will have to explain exactly how Tom is going to prepare when he can’t engage in the activities that a normal analyst does.” Despite being just two years removed from playing in the NFL, Brady remains in tune with teams, coaches, and game plans. The information he needs can still be relayed to him, but if he continues to call games for Fox in five or ten years, it may become increasingly difficult for him to compensate for missing out on those meetings and interactions.
