Controversy heating up
The tension escalated after Tom Brady was spotted wearing a headset in the Raiders’ coaching box during their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. Although the NFL confirmed no rules were broken, the image raised eyebrows. Critics like Skip Bayless argue that Brady’s access to production meetings and rival players—thanks to his dual role at Fox—could give Las Vegas an unfair edge.
Tom Brady responded in his weekly newsletter, defending his integrity and insisting that his presence in both worlds doesn’t create a conflict. On the contrary, he called it a “moral obligation” to the sport. “When distrust dominates, it’s easy to see dilemmas where there’s only passion,” he wrote. For Brady, the overlap between his roles is a chance to elevate the game—not compromise it.
Some just don’t care
Meanwhile, coaches like Ben Johnson of the Bears, who faced the Raiders after a game called by Tom Brady, brushed off the issue. “I don’t plan on sharing secrets with him,” Johnson said with a relaxed tone.
Tom Brady remains omnipresent. And while he no longer suits up as a player, his influence—and the criticism that follows—continues to shape the NFL’s narrative. From the booth to the ad breaks, Brady isn’t just commenting on the game. He’s still helping define it.
