Tom Brady believes the restrictions he must adhere to as an analyst for Fox Sports will benefit his broadcasting career, according to a source close to the former quarterback.
Brady, 47, finally saw his bid to become part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders approved by the NFL on Tuesday, meaning he now has a 10 percent stake in the team with business partner Tom Wagner.
That minority investment means his playing career is now officially over, sidelining any talk of a possible comeback as active players are prevented by the Collective Bargaining Agreement from owning or investing in NFL teams.
More importantly, the acquisition of the seven-time Super Bowl winner means he will now face a number of restrictions in his role as a broadcaster for Fox.
Just a month into his 10-year, $375 million contract with the network, Brady is now barred from entering another team’s facilities, witnessing practices and attending production meetings virtually and in-person.
Tom Brady believes his restrictions at Fox Sports will actually help his broadcasting career
He is also prohibited from criticizing game officials and other clubs while subject to the NFL’s gambling and anti-tampering policies.
After news of his partial Raiders buyout broke on Tuesday, NFL fans called for Brady to be fired by Fox, saying the restrictions he faces will affect his analysis.
However, a source told DailyMail.com that the man himself does not see it that way.
Instead, Brady believes that not being privy to broadcasting production meetings will give him a better perspective on the future of the game.
“The restrictions are not ideal for Tom, but he wants to use the restrictions as a means to work even harder,” says the insider. ‘If Tom has proven anything in life, it is that he is always looking for the next challenge.
‘He has wanted to become an owner for so long, he has dived into the position during his career and now more than ever he has to figure out how to make it all work best. There are growing pains with everything, but as he has commented in recent weeks, he has just gotten better and better.
Brady’s bid to become part owner of Mark Davis’ Las Vegas Raiders was approved Tuesday
Due to his new role, several restrictions were placed on the NFL legend and his Fox role
Brady’s minority buyout of the Raiders also officially ends his playing career
“And he thinks that because he’s kind of away from all the meetings, he’ll have an even better perspective on the game. He will come there as a fan, he knows everything you need to know about football, and with these restrictions it will be like regular regular Joe in charge of the game.
‘But he will stick to the rules and continue to enjoy his work. He’s looking forward to proving everyone wrong. He’s done it all his life, so why wouldn’t he keep doing it?’
Hours after his ownership wishes were finally granted Tuesday, Brady — who was at the Raiders practice facility a day later — issued his first statement as an owner of an NFL team.
“I am incredibly humbled and excited to have been unanimously approved as owner of the Las Vegas Raiders,” he wrote. “Throughout my NFL career, I have learned that football, at its core, is a game of teamwork, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
“The Raiders franchise and the city of Las Vegas embody the same values, and I am honored to be a part of that story.”
The 47-year-old couldn’t contain his joy after becoming an NFL owner on Tuesday
The New England Patriots legend initially agreed to become a limited affiliate of the Raiders in May 2023 – months after his playing career was under threat.
His deal to take a 10 percent stake in the organization — which he shares down the middle with business partner Wagner — has been delayed for the past seventeen months due to concerns from other NFL owners about his $375 million deal with Fox.
But after finally receiving approval to join the franchise, Brady is excited to be involved in the league again.
“Football has been a part of my entire life growing up in the Bay Area and in 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 have been a part of.
‘Sport brings us together in a way that nothing else can. “I grew up on the field and it is a blessing to know that I will be involved in the greatest competition in the world for the rest of my life.”