NFL quarterbacks can hit the slopes during the offseason and get recruited by broadcasters who have stakes in the team. Who would have thought? Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis wasn’t joking when he mentioned Tom Brady’s significant role in the team’s decision-making. Similarly, both the NFL and Fox have demonstrated how insignificant his alleged conflict of interest truly is.
Interestingly, Maxx Crosby and Troy Aikman both see no conflict. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has labeled Brady as “incredibly cooperative,” suggesting he has steered clear of any notable conflicts. While this may not raise concerns for fans or current players, it’s a dynamic worth highlighting. This issue resurfaced on Wednesday when, according to Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Brady recently hosted L.A. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford at his Montana home. The two enjoyed skiing together, but it’s labeled more as a get-together than tampering, especially since the Rams have allowed Stafford and his representatives to gauge interest from other teams.
Sources: #Raiders minority owner Tom Brady recently hosted #Rams QB Matthew Stafford at his home in Montana, where they spent time together and went skiing. Brady has been actively trying to convince Stafford to join the Raiders, and discussions are ongoing.
Several teams are… pic.twitter.com/Jo9xxw2M6e
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2025
Additionally, Brady seems to be persuading Stafford to consider moving to Las Vegas, with ongoing discussions hinting at the Raiders as frontrunners among several interested teams. This sparked a contrast in reporting when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport described the encounter differently, stating it was an unplanned meeting at a ski resort where the conversation was brief and not centered around recruiting.
#Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and #Rams QB Matthew Stafford ran into each other at a ski resort in Montana, sources say.
The meeting, unplanned, was not extensive or in-depth and did not include Brady “hosting” or “recruiting” Stafford, despite reports saying otherwise. pic.twitter.com/eUucyxzxsW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
Schultz responded sharply, arguing that the chance encounter in a Montana ski resort was implausible. “If you really think Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford just happened to run into each other at a ski resort in Montana — of all places — at the exact same time, I’ve got a bridge to sell you,” he asserted.
If you really think Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford just happened to run into each other at a ski resort in Montana — of all places — at the exact same time, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.
They were together over the weekend — it happened. Multiple teams are interested in… https://t.co/5UiU4lVoal
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2025
If Stafford were to join the Raiders, the Rams would need to seek a successor. Should they opt for Jimmy Garoppolo, LeSean McCoy might not take it lightly.
Brady’s influence in Las Vegas is certainly notable, and with ongoing discussions regarding Stafford, it feels like the recruitment season may be underway amid the snowy backdrop of Montana. If Stafford does end up with the Raiders, it will be hard to overlook Brady’s significant impact on the team’s future, despite NFL claims that there’s no conflict of interest.
