Tom Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has pursued a variety of business ventures since retiring from playing. These include broadcasting for Fox, promoting cryptocurrency, and even cloning his dog. However, his most significant post-retirement role is as a minority owner and de facto football czar for the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has descended into chaos under his influence.
The Raiders currently hold a dismal 2–11 record after a humiliating 24-10 defeat to the Cleveland Browns, a struggling team starting a rookie quarterback. The Raiders’ offence averaged just 2.9 yards per play before garbage time, quarterback Geno Smith was sacked ten times, and the defence allowed multiple big plays. Critics describe the Raiders as the most unwatchable and directionless franchise in the league.
While majority owner Mark Davis bears ultimate responsibility, Brady’s fingerprints are all over this season’s failures. He was responsible for every major decision during the 2024 off-season, and virtually all have backfired. The Raiders hired 74-year-old Pete Carroll as head coach, expecting a swift return to relevance, but instead face the prospect of another rebuild.
Brady’s key moves included appointing his former college teammate John Spytek as general manager, trading a third-round pick for Smith, drafting a running back sixth overall despite a weak offensive line, and luring Chip Kelly from college football as offensive coordinator before firing him after the Browns loss. Carroll’s son was placed in charge of the already fragile offensive line.
In contrast, the Browns, despite their own struggles, show signs of promise with a formidable defence led by Myles Garrett and a promising rookie class. The Raiders, meanwhile, appear lifeless and without direction. Brady’s part-time involvement has created an unholy mess in Las Vegas.
