Tom Brady has vowed to “let it go” in the booth as an NFL analyst — and the legendary quarterback thinks people might see him differently in a year.
Brady, who retired from football for a second time in February 2023, will finally start calling games this fall after reportedly signing an initial 10-year deal worth $375 million with Fox Sports.
And while he’s not far removed from his playing career and certainly has relationships with many active players, he has vowed to provide brutally honest criticism when warranted.
“I got you, don’t worry baby, I’m working on it,” he said afterward NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero urged him to “let it go.”
“Next year you could say, ‘Tom, be gentle man, you’re a jerk, let these guys grow and develop,’” the quarterback continued.
Tom Brady will serve as a Fox Sports NFL analyst this fall following his legendary playing career
Earlier in his conversation with Pelissero and Mike Garafolo on “The Insiders,” Brady was asked how he would handle analyzing games if most players never reached the standards he set for themselves.
Pelissero talked about how Peyton Manning often wears his emotions on his sleeve during ESPN’s “Manningcast” when there is poor game management.
“I would say this is an area that I have to continue to develop, learn and understand,” Brady responded. Because, like Peyton, I have very high expectations for how I think the game should be played and how it should be coached, how it should be led.
“I want to see the game grow, I want to see the game succeed, I want to see it better than ever. How can I play a role in influencing this? I can give my own opinion, and if people want to listen, that’s fine. If they don’t, that’s okay. But I only have the best intentions for what I’m about to undertake and I love the group of teammates I’m undertaking it with.
Brady has vowed to “go wild” in the booth while calling NFL games this upcoming season
Brady arrives on the red carpet for his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame with owner Robert Kraft
Earlier this week, Brady was celebrated by an A-list crowd as he returned to Foxborough to be inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame.
His close friends and former teammates Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman were in attendance, while more Patriots legends like Ty Law, Devin McCourty, Willie McGinest and Vince Wilfork sat at the same table.
The big night was also attended by the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Bill Burr and even Jay-Z.
The Patriots typically wait five years after a player’s retirement to induct him into their Hall of Fame, but owner Robert Kraft waived that rule to honor Brady on “6/12,” with the last number being his jersey number for his entire career.
Brady won six Super Bowls in New England and is considered by many to be the greatest quarterback in NFL history.