Tom Brady risks upsetting NFL viewers with promise to Patrick Mahomes | NFL | Sport
Tom Brady has opened up about his approach to analysing Patrick Mahomes’ performances while on duty for FOX Sport’s NFL broadcast team, revealing a certain leniency towards quarterbacks. The iconic quarterback faced some tough criticism following his debut broadcast season after inking a massive 10-year, $375 million contract with the network. Despite a year marred by underwhelming commentary critiques and even enduring boos at the Indy 500 from unforgiving Indianapolis Colts fans, he is set for another run with FOX Sports.
Speaking candidly to Complex Sports about his commentary gig, Brady disclosed a sense of empathy particularly towards quarterbacks like Mahomes based on his own experiences on the gridiron.
“How can I throw shade at someone who’s as amazing as he is?” Brady remarked, emphasising the responsibility he feels as an analyst. “You know, I know what he’s been through. And I think the one position that I’m in now as a broadcaster, I do feel a responsibility, A, to tell the fans what I see and be honest and upfront about everything, but also realize that what these guys are doing on the field is extremely difficult.
“It’s a high level of skill. You’re looking at any of the 32 teams who have a starting quarterback out there. That guy’s one of the best in the world at what he does. So do they make the right plays all the time? Certainly not. By the way, neither did I.”
Former quarterback and NFL icon Brady, who has felt the immense pressure on the field, knows all too well the challenges quarterbacks face in performing flawlessly with every snap of the ball. His experience grants him a level of empathy towards players like Mahomes that others may lack.
“And I think you have to have this context and perspective and you realize that it’s not about this harsh critique and that’s not really what it’s all about anyway,” he remarked. “To me, it’s more about, ‘Let’s point out the greatness of these individual players and have fun, enjoy it, entertain a little bit and really try to educate people a little bit’.”
Brady is set to grace the broadcast booth for some time to come after hanging up his helmet, but he’s cheekily hinted at an Olympic stint come 2028. Even though flag football will be making its debut at the Los Angeles Olympic Games when he’ll be 50, rumours suggest that the lure of Olympic gold could tempt Brady out of retirement.
A tipster revealed to the Daily Mail, Brady, currently enjoying retirement, finds the idea of clinching an Olympic gold medal quite appealing.
“He wants a Gold medal. And what better way to remain the GOAT and return to the sport he loves, by helping his country win gold,” an insider revealed to the publication.
“He knows he would be able to help and excel in that environment and since his life is very much scheduled and has a tight regimen, so many things could fall into place for him around that time. With the Olympics being in LA, he wouldn’t have to travel far. And it would culminate in one of the best birthdays ever.”
