Mike Francesa expressed skepticism about Tom Brady’s potential success as a broadcaster on his BetRivers podcast during a listener email segment.
Despite Brady’s pending role alongside Kevin Burkhardt on Fox Sports’ top announcer team, Francesa doubts Brady’s fit for the job.
“No. I don’t,” Francesa said definitively. “I don’t think his heart’s in it. I don’t think his personality is such. I don’t think he’s going to be great at it. I really don’t. I think there’s a unique quality that you have to bring that allows you as an analyst to see the game, see the game quickly, plus bring personality into it. It’s a tricky job for the analyst in football because you’re going to spend a lot of time over replay. You’re going to spend a lot of time breaking down what happens on replay. And you also have to be very personable and glib in how you do it. I don’t see him there.”
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Francesa also touched on the complication of Brady potentially becoming a part-owner of the Raiders, suggesting it might further impact his broadcasting role, though he noted that the deal had not been finalized yet.
He contrasted Brady’s situation with Peyton Manning, whom he sees as a natural on television, thriving in his unique “ManningCast” rather than as a traditional analyst.
Despite his criticisms, Francesa admitted that his initial impressions aren’t infallible, citing Troy Aikman’s evolution into a respected analyst after a lukewarm start. He praised Aikman’s approach and understanding of the game, attributing his success to a blend of serious analysis tempered with a measured sense of humor.
Francesa’s comments underscore the challenges that await Brady in his new career phase, with a hefty $375 million contract over 10 years from Fox Sports hanging in the balance.
