Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, has transitioned to a career in broadcasting following his retirement from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and professional football. Here’s a look at his move into broadcasting, including his announcing job, the reported pay, and the background story.

Announcing Job

In May 2022, Fox Sports announced that Tom Brady would join the network as their lead NFL analyst once he officially retired from playing. Brady will work alongside longtime Fox Sports commentator Kevin Burkhardt in the broadcast booth to cover major NFL games, including the Super Bowl.

However, Brady has stated that he would not begin his broadcasting career immediately after his final retirement in February 2023. He said he wanted to take some time off to focus on his family and personal projects, with plans to start in the 2024 NFL season.

Reported Pay

Tom Brady’s deal with Fox Sports is one of the largest in sports media history. According to reports, he signed a 10-year contract worth $375 million, making it the most lucrative broadcasting contract ever given to a former athlete. This deal dwarfs the salaries of other top sports broadcasters and analysts, positioning Brady at the very top of the industry in terms of compensation.

For comparison, top analysts like Tony Romo (CBS) and Troy Aikman (ESPN) reportedly earn around $17-18 million annually. Brady’s deal averages around $37.5 million per year, reflecting both his legendary status and the anticipated impact he’ll have on Fox’s NFL coverage.

The Story Behind His Transition

Brady’s post-NFL career has been a point of speculation for years, given his historic success on the field and his massive celebrity off it. With seven Super Bowl titles and a career spanning over two decades, Brady’s knowledge of the game and insights as a quarterback are seen as invaluable for football fans.

Here’s a brief look at how this transition unfolded:

February 2022 Retirement (and Unretirement): Brady first announced his retirement in February 2022 but reversed his decision just 40 days later, returning to play the 2022 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Final Retirement in February 2023: After the 2022 season, Brady officially retired for good, stating that this time it was “for real.” It was shortly after this final announcement that he clarified he would be taking a gap year before moving into his broadcasting role.
Family and Personal Life: Brady has often mentioned his desire to focus on his family, especially after his highly publicized divorce from Gisele Bündchen in 2022. He has also emphasized wanting to approach his broadcasting role with the same level of preparation and commitment that he brought to his NFL career, which may explain why he’s taking time before diving into the new job.

Why Fox Bet Big on Brady

Fox Sports’ decision to sign Brady to such a massive deal reflects the belief that his stature as one of the greatest (if not the greatest) NFL players will draw viewers and elevate their coverage. Brady’s insight into the quarterback position, his understanding of complex strategies, and his celebrity status make him a prime candidate to succeed as a broadcaster.

Despite the large deal, there are still questions about how Brady will perform in the booth. Unlike some former players who had outgoing, media-friendly personalities (like Tony Romo), Brady was known for his intense focus and somewhat reserved nature during his playing career. How that translates to television and his ability to engage a broad audience remains to be seen.

Other Ventures

Beyond his role with Fox, Brady has other business interests, including:

TB12 Sports: A fitness and wellness company founded on the methods Brady used to stay in peak shape throughout his career.
Brady Brand: A clothing line launched in 2022.
Autograph: A digital sports memorabilia company focusing on NFTs and blockchain technology.

Brady’s broadcast career is just one chapter in what is likely to be a varied and successful post-NFL journey, blending sports, business, and media.

Photos: Alex Menendez