Before officially beginning his broadcasting career with FOX, Tom Brady will have a chance to test his “hot take” skills on stage alongside Stephen A. Smith this summer.
Brady and Smith are among the high-profile names set to appear at Fanatics Fest in New York City.
According to Awful Announcing, the event’s press release revealed that the former star quarterback will participate in a panel with the “First Take” host on Friday, August 16.
The announcement promised a “no-holds-barred exchange” between Brady and Smith during a panel aptly titled “True Grit.” It teased an unfiltered and passionate debate between the two, stating, “Tom Brady and Stephen A. Smith are known for their unfiltered opinions and passionate debates. This panel promises a candid, unscripted conversation that will delve into the biggest topics in sports and beyond.”
Fanatics Fest organizers said that Brady and Smith will “share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs” and engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. The pairing is expected to provide a unique blend of insights from both the playing field and the commentator’s desk.
Brady is not the only former sports star set to speak in front of a potentially challenging New York audience alongside an unexpected partner. David Ortiz will host a “Character Counts” panel with Derek Jeter on the same day, August 16.
RELATED: Stephen A. Smith’s Behavior Reportedly Causing Serious ‘Tension’ Behind The Scenes At ‘First Take’
Additionally, two of Brady’s former on-field rivals, Peyton and Eli Manning, are scheduled to attend the event. Other notable athletes announced include Kevin Durant, Pete Alonso, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jalen Brunson. Media personalities such as Ryan Clark, Taylor Rooks, and Paige Spiranac will also be present.
The “no-holds-barred” description of Brady and Smith’s discussion seems fitting, even more so for WWE stars like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, who will be available for autographs and photos at Fanatics Fest.
For Brady, this event represents an opportunity to refine his public speaking and debate skills before transitioning to his role in the NFL broadcast booth this season. While providing color commentary requires a different skill set than engaging in debates, speaking alongside Stephen A. Smith could serve as valuable practice for the legendary quarterback as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
