Tom Brady is set to embark on his highly anticipated second act as an NFL broadcaster, stepping into the FOX Sports booth with a reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. However, some are concerned that his illustrious legacy could be at risk if he doesn’t deliver as a color commentator. Among those voicing concern is New York radio host Gregg Giannotti, who believes that Brady’s transition from the gridiron to the broadcasting booth could be more challenging than many expect.
On a recent episode of his show on WFAN, Giannotti speculated that Brady’s success as a player might not necessarily translate to the broadcast booth. He warned that if Brady doesn’t meet the high expectations, his reputation could suffer. “If he isn’t good in that booth, he will become a joke to everybody,” Giannotti said, as reported by Awful Announcing. “I’m just telling you, we’ve seen it before. It doesn’t matter what you were in the past. If you aren’t good in the booth, they will roast your a**.”
Giannotti drew a comparison to Jason Witten, a former NFL tight end whose nearly flawless playing career was overshadowed by his brief and heavily criticized stint as a Monday Night Football commentator. Witten’s experience serves as a cautionary tale, suggesting that even the most accomplished athletes aren’t immune to criticism in the broadcasting world.
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Despite Giannotti’s concerns, not everyone shares his apprehension. Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, Giannotti’s co-host, expressed confidence in Brady’s ability to excel in his new role. “He’s gonna be good,” Esiason predicted. “He’s gonna be fine.”
Brady’s move to FOX comes with significant expectations and a substantial investment. Before officially retiring from football, Brady signed a massive 10-year, $375 million deal to join FOX’s broadcasting team. However, he chose to take a year off in 2023, delaying his start in the booth until now. With his debut just around the corner, the pressure is on for Brady to prove that his excellence on the field can translate to the world of sports commentary.
Adding another layer of complexity to Brady’s new role is his pending ownership bid for the Las Vegas Raiders. If approved, his ownership stake could complicate his broadcasting duties, as league rules would prevent him from attending team practices or participating in network broadcast meetings involving the Raiders. This potential conflict of interest could present additional challenges as Brady navigates his new career.
Brady’s first assignment as a broadcaster will be calling Sunday’s game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns, scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on him as he takes on this new challenge, with fans and critics alike eager to see if the seven-time Super Bowl champion can add another impressive chapter to his storied career.
While it’s unlikely that Brady, a player who has achieved unparalleled success, would ever truly become a “joke,” the stakes are undeniably high as he steps into the spotlight in a whole new way.
