Legendary quarterback Tom Brady left American football fans utterly perplexed during a major NFL broadcast, thanks to a curious sartorial choice in the commentary booth.
The Bizarre Booth Appearance
While calling the crucial showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills for Fox, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was spotted wearing a single black glove on his right hand. The sight confused the millions of viewers watching from home, as Brady provided analysis from a rainy Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, where temperatures were around 43 degrees Fahrenheit.
The 48-year-old broadcaster's unusual attire was not addressed during the live coverage, even when colleague Kevin Burkhardt discussed players using different gloves on the sideline to keep their hands warm and dry. The glove remained an unexplained feature throughout the broadcast.
Social Media Erupts with Comparisons
Fans on social media platform X were quick to react, with many drawing immediate comparisons to the late pop icon Michael Jackson, who famously wore a single sequinned glove during his performances.
One fan posted a humorous video of Jackson dancing alongside the caption: "How Tom Brady thinks he’s moving wearing one leather glove." Another viewer joked: "Tom Brady only wearing one glove like Michael Jackson, except his glove is black. As Michael said, it don't matter if it's black or white."
Other, less flattering comparisons were made to former NFL star O.J. Simpson, referencing the infamous trial where a pair of black gloves became central evidence. "Tom Brady rocking the OJ Simpson look," one viewer wrote.
Possible Explanations and Broadcasting Role
Some observers speculated on practical reasons for the glove. ESPN reporter Jenna Laine suggested it might be to help Brady operate a touchscreen tablet more easily with his bare left hand while analysing plays. "Has Tom done a ‘one glove in the booth’ thing before?...is it so he can better utilize a tablet with his right hand?" she questioned online.
Others joked it was a sign of Brady's unextinguished competitive fire. "Tom Brady rocking the one glove look in the booth. You can’t take the QB out of the broadcaster," one post read, while another asked: "Why is Tom Brady wearing just 1 glove? Is he expecting to throw a few?"
Brady is in the second year of a monumental 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox to serve as a lead NFL analyst. After a challenging debut season last year, his insightful commentary has won over many new admirers during the current campaign.
The broadcast coincided with a difficult day for one of Brady's other ventures. He is a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, who were simultaneously being soundly beaten by the New York Giants, cementing their position with the NFL's worst record and putting them in line for the first pick in the 2026 Draft.
