Novice commentator and arguably the greatest NFL player ever, Tom Brady, didn’t show enough enthusiasm for the exuberant NFL RedZone announcer Scott Hanson when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was on hand for a 71-yard field goal attempt just before halftime on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Hanson criticized Brady for a lack of enthusiasm about the potential field goal attempt Sunday. He retracted his comment Monday and apologized on X for an “unfair and thoughtless” shot at Brady.

Hanson intervened during the RedZone broadcast shortly after Brady and Fox’s Kevin Burkhardt had gone over the scenario of a potential field goal before the Browns called a timeout. The Cowboys pulled Aubrey from the field after the timeout and Dallas punted instead.

“Oh come on! Brady needs to get a lot more excited in the booth,” Hanson said.

This was unfair and thoughtless of me. Yes, I said it with a wink – but I didn’t calculate how it would come across. @TomBradymy apologies.
I promise to support you in this new endeavor! https://t.co/heyRJga8gC

— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) September 9, 2024

The AthleticsAndrew Marchand wrote that Brady “sounded like a rookie at the start of Sunday. His syntax was wooden. His interesting thoughts were limited. It was a little awkward.” But added, “Brady eventually calmed down a bit and showed flashes.”

The AthleticsRichard Deitsch also wrote: “On Sunday, Brady came across as someone trying to learn his craft in real time. That’s not a criticism. It’s just reality. He first spoke on the radio at 4:23 p.m. ET with the usual scene-setter stuff and was very deliberate in the first quarter. Everything felt a little sluggish, with him and Burkhardt still finding a conversational rhythm.

“Brady got more comfortable as the broadcast went on, and I expect that’s going to be the pattern as the season goes on. If you really want me to give him a grade, I’d give him 2 1/4 out of four goats. Fox will take that for his first regular-season game.”

Brady, Burkhardt and the No. 1 Fox crew will be on hand when the New Orleans Saints visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

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(Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images)