Tom Brady believes the restrictions he must abide by as an analyst for Fox Sports will help his broadcasting career, according to a source close to the former quarterback.
Brady, 47, saw his bid to become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders finally approved by the NFL on Tuesday, meaning he now holds a 10 percent stake in the team along with business partner Tom Wagner.
That minority investment means his playing career is now officially over, putting to bed any talk of a potential comeback given active players are prevented from owning or investing in NFL teams by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
More importantly, the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s move into ownership means he is now facing a number of restrictions in his role as a broadcaster for Fox.
Just one month after beginning his 10-year, $375million contract with the network, Brady is now forbidden from accessing another team’s facility, witnessing practice, and attending broadcast production meetings virtually and in person.
Tom Brady believes his restrictions with Fox Sports will actually help his broadcasting career
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He is also not permitted to criticize game officials and other clubs, while he is subject to the NFL’s gambling and anti-tampering policies.
After news of his partial Raiders takeover broke on Tuesday, NFL fans called for Brady to be fired by Fox because the restrictions he must follow will influence his analysis.
However, a source has told DailyMail.com that the man himself does not see it that way.
Brady is instead convinced that not being privy to broadcast production meetings, for example, will give him a greater perspective on the game going forward.
‘The restrictions aren’t ideal for Tom, but he is looking to take the restrictions as a means to work even harder,’ the insider is quoted as saying. ‘If Tom has proven anything in life it is that he is always looking for the next challenge.
‘He wanted to be an owner for so long, he has dived into his career in the booth headfirst and now more than ever, he has to figure out the best way to make it all work. There is growing pains with everything but as he has done commentating the last few weeks, he has only got better and better.
Brady’s bid to become part-owner of Mark Davis’ Las Vegas Raiders was approved Tuesday
Due to his new role, multiple restrictions were placed on the NFL legend and his Fox role
Brady’s minority Raiders takeover also officially brings his playing career to an end
‘And he thinks that being a bit away from all the meetings that he will have an even better perspective to the game. He will be coming at it as a fan, he knows everything you need to know about football, and with these restrictions it is just going to be like if the regular ordinary Joe would be calling the game.
‘But he is going to abide by the rules and continue to be happy doing the job and is looking forward to proving everyone wrong, he’s done it his whole life, so why not continue.’
Hours after his ownership wishes were finally granted on Tuesday, Brady – who was at the Raiders practice facility a day later – released his first statement as an NFL team owner.
‘I’m incredibly humbled and excited to have been unanimously approved as an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders,’ he wrote. ‘Throughout my NFL career, I’ve learned that at its core, football is a game of teamwork, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
‘The Raiders franchise, and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I’m honored to become part of that story.’
The 47-year-old could not contain his delight after becoming an NFL owner on Tuesday
The New England Patriots legend initially agreed to become a limited partner of the Raiders in May 2023 – months after calling time on his playing career.
His deal to take a 10 percent stake in the organization – which he is splitting down the middle with business partner Wagner – was held up over the last 17 months amid concerns from other NFL owners over his $375m deal with Fox.
But after finally receiving approval to join the franchise, Brady is delighted to be involved in the league again.
‘Football has been part of my entire life growing up in the Bay Area and in so many ways, my football life and journey has come full circle,’ he continued. ‘I love the sport, I love my teammates, coaches, and the fans in every organization I’ve been part of.
‘Sports brings us together in a way nothing else can. I grew up on the field, and it’s a blessing to know I’ll be involved in the greatest league in the world for the rest of my life.’