During Saturday’s game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, Tom Brady took the opportunity to address his role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and his involvement in recruiting Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head coaching position. Interestingly, it was broadcasting partner Kevin Burkhardt who highlighted these details while Brady spoke in broad terms, lacking specific details.
“It’s just been a great learning experience,” stated Brady. “The league is full of great potential. Resumes and accolades are earned through on-field performance. You earn your opportunities by letting your performance speak for itself, just like I did while playing.” Throughout the game, it became increasingly evident that Brady deliberately avoided mentioning Johnson by name.
The Athletic’s Dan Shanoff noted Brady’s intentional silence regarding Johnson, observing that the Fox broadcaster named nearly every other significant coach except the one with whom he has a connection. Even when Burkhardt specifically mentioned Johnson, Brady remained tight-lipped.
Here’s Shanoff highlighting several notable moments:
When the broadcast resumed, Burkhardt immediately remarked: “Ben Johnson dials up a trick play like no one else and they normally work, but that was a disaster.”
Brady: *Silence.*
After a 40-yard run by Austin Ekeler, Burkhardt revisited the earlier failed trick play: “Back to the trick play that failed…”
Brady: “Tried to run something a little bit gimmicky… and at this point, Williams trying to make a decision, a non-quarterback, trying to throw the ball and read a defense and… not a great time for a trick play.”
Yet, it was, theoretically, an excellent time to mention “Ben Johnson,” the one who called the trick play.
There were moments where Brady seemed to be hinting at Johnson, but his vague comments left the audience unsure. SI’s Jimmy Traina correctly pointed out that the conflict of interest stemming from Brady’s dual roles didn’t significantly impact viewers; most NFL fans likely overlooked it.
Yet, these instances raise valid concerns regarding Brady’s ability to express himself freely in the booth. His need to self-edit due to his Raiders responsibilities detracts from the authenticity of the broadcast, leaving viewers wondering what insights he might be withholding that other commentators like Greg Olsen or Tony Romo would freely share. While Brady’s transparency was a positive initiative by both him and Fox, the intent was to enable open discussions about the game, which ultimately did not materialize.
