Tom Brady made his long-awaited debut as a colour commentator on FOX during the Week 1 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns. Alongside Kevin Burkhardt, the seven-time Super Bowl champion entered the broadcast booth for the first time since his retirement, but his performance drew mixed reactions from fans.
Brady's start was described as choppy, with awkward pauses and slow sentence delivery. One notable moment saw him attempt a fist bump with FOX officiating expert Mike Pereira, who initially missed it, prompting Brady to say 'Don't leave me hanging.' The incident highlighted the adjustment period for the former quarterback.
Critics compared Brady's debut to that of rookie NFL quarterbacks, noting that he appeared nervous and his analysis sometimes seemed pedestrian. Fans online were quick to comment on the rocky start, though many acknowledged that improvement is likely as he gains more experience.
Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with FOX in 2022 and took the 2023 season off before beginning his broadcasting career. Despite initial struggles, his performance improved in the second half of the game, suggesting that his signature drive may translate to the booth over time.
