While fans and analysts may express concerns over Tom Brady’s dual role as both a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and an NFL analyst at Fox, the league seems unfazed. During his annual Super Bowl week press conference on Monday, commissioner Roger Goodell addressed these concerns for the first time since Brady was confirmed as a minority owner in Las Vegas.
Goodell emphasized that, like any NFL official, Brady is bound by tampering rules and will face consequences if he violates them. He also noted that he and Brady maintain regular communication regarding this specific issue. “Tom has been incredibly cooperative,” Goodell remarked. “He calls frequently about it and asks, ‘Am I doing OK?’ He is serious about ensuring that he separates these two roles to avoid any potential conflicts.”
Roger Goodell says Tom Brady “calls frequently” to make sure he’s balancing his owner and broadcaster responsibilities appropriately. pic.twitter.com/5ADFYcC0r9
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 3, 2025
This situation is hardly surprising. If Roger Goodell or NFL owners had reservations about Brady’s dual roles, they had the opportunity to vote against his minority ownership in October. Given Fox’s significant relationship with the NFL, it is likely that they would heed the league’s recommendations regarding Brady’s viability as an owner.
There are certainly challenges for both Brady and Fox. For instance, what happens if the Raiders make it to the Super Bowl the next time Fox airs the event in 2029? Brady was primarily hired for the prestige he brings to the Fox booth, and both the network and the league cannot selectively disregard aspects of his resume when it comes to presenting an unbiased representation of the sport.
