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How Did Tom Brady Do in His Television Debut? NFL Fan Reactions

Vaseline September 9, 2024

Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady has made his long-awaited debut… in the broadcast booth.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion officially began his second stint as FOX Sports’ lead color commentator alongside play-by-play partner Kevin Burkhardt on Sunday, ultimately overshadowing the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. But much like any rookie quarterback making his league debut, Brady’s first official game in the booth came under scrutiny.

“You’re an announcer! What do you think of that,” Burkhardt said after introducing his partner, who needed no introduction.

Brady replied with a smile, “We’re here. It’s been quite a journey. I’m glad to be your partner.”

Brady’s performance received mixed reviews from social media users, as his nerves were evident early on. He had a few hiccups with his rhythm and his delivery was choppy at times, along with several moments of dead air that are normally filled with commentary. A slightly awkward fist bump exchange between Brady and FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira — “Don’t leave me alone” — summed up the first half as he adjusted.

“Tom Brady is clearly pretty nervous in his NFL broadcasting debut. It’s funny to remind yourself that the best quarterback to ever do it is still human at the end of the day,” said one X user written online.

Brady seemed to find his groove and became more comfortable in the booth as the game progressed. His commentary became more insightful and engaging, even reminding viewers that he’s “still a rookie here,” but many NFL fans pointed out that Brady still has plenty of room for improvement.

As the final seconds ticked away, Brady noted the stark difference between playing and broadcasting: “I’ve used my arm and my body for so many years. Now I go into a stadium and I can use my voice… Like Michael Strahan told me pregame, you’re going to wake up tomorrow morning on Monday and you’re not going to be sore. I’m happy about that.”

‘Back to work’

FOX Sports first announced that Brady would join the network’s lead broadcast team in May 2022. The announcement came ahead of Brady’s final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after he announced his decision to retire after 40 days in March 2022. Brady retired from playing “for good” in February 2023, taking a gap year during the 2023-24 NFL season. He is scheduled to announce Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025.

Fox aired a new Brady commercial to commemorate his first game as host. The commercial opens with a sports analyst questioning Brady’s decision to enter the booth instead of “lying on a beach and getting fat on pina coladas.”

“What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football?” said Brady of the New England Patriots, one of several uniformed Bradys seen in the ad. Added the Buccaneers’ Brady: “They don’t understand that you live and breathe football. Because you’re Tom freaking Brady. And our football journey is far from over.”

The current Brady added: “Back to work.”

Tom Brady’s television debut received mixed reviews

Gary Lezak, a former Chief Meteorologist in Kansas City, preached “patience” as Brady finds his rhythm. After all, it’s only Week 1.

“Tom Brady is taking a beating on X right now as he makes his debut as a host,” Lezak said wrote. “I’ve worked in broadcasting for 38 years and he’s a rookie on his first day. I can see that he’s very nervous and that’s not something that will get better right away. He’ll get much better, so give him some space. And let’s see him improve over the next few weeks.”

Here are reactions from social media users:

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