Tom Brady began his new broadcasting gig on Sunday on the NFL on Fox, but the former star Patriots quarterback has had a hard time finding his groove, judging by the fans' reactions.
The 47-year-old made his debut alongside new partner Kevin Burkhart in the Week 1 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns, but right off the bat his delivery was stilted and awkward, with awkward pauses between words.
“Here we are, it’s been quite a journey but I enjoy being your partner,” Brady said after being introduced by Burkhart, before turning his attention to the respective team quarterbacks. “Dak [Prescott] “He just signed the biggest contract in NFL history, now he's got to go out there and earn it,” he continued, slurring his words a few times.
First Moments @TomBrady's first broadcast 👏 (source: @NFLonFOX)
📺: #DALvsCLE On FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG picture.twitter.com/yeEfYMwJw8— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
Brady then managed to fist-bump longtime Fox Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira, who was busy studying something on the screen in front of him. “Oh, don’t keep me waiting!” Brady cried awkwardly after several agonizing seconds of extending his fist.
Mike Pereira and Tom Brady's first booth interaction could have gone a little smoother… picture.twitter.com/RmJYFF1qQj
— Awful Announcement (@awfulannouncing) September 8, 2024
To be fair, it was his first day on the job. But given Brady’s hefty $375 million contract as lead color commentator — not to mention Burkhart’s former partner Greg Olsen being demoted to second-team coverage to make room for him — the backlash on social media was swift and brutal.
“I don't want to overreact to week 1 but Tom Brady is the worst announcer in the NFL,” one user said seriously. Another joked: “Finally, Tom Brady sucks at something.”
I don't want to overreact to Week 1, but Tom Brady is the worst announcer in the NFL.
— Dr. Jamie Jakes (@jamjks) September 8, 2024
Finally something Tom Brady sucks at
— Tom Thakkar (@TomAThakkar) September 8, 2024
Some called for justice for Olsen, disparaging her stilted tone and pauses between words.
Maybe someone should really listen to what Tom Brady has to say before spending $300 million on him.
— Jonathan Smith (@DegenerateTBone) September 8, 2024
Tom Brady can't seem to form sentences with a normal rhythm
— Luka Donthičć (@landahoy14) September 8, 2024
I don't know how else to say this, but Tom Brady has no voice that can be heard without seeing his face.
— Jared Plaudis (@JaredPlaudis) September 8, 2024
I've heard enough from Tom Brady, justice for Greg Olsen
— Molly (@FSUmollz) September 8, 2024
I will say that Tom Brady is an absolute piece of dog shit and Fox should be ashamed of what they did to Greg Olsen
— Dave (@BringOutDaGongs) September 8, 2024
Time will tell if Brady can find his rhythm or if this is truly a costly mistake for Fox Sports. Either way, they're neck and neck with him now. Or, unless he decides to come out of retirement again.