Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady (Photo via @awfulannouncing Twitter)
NFL fans were much more impressed with Tom Brady’s second outing as an NFL analyst in Week 2 after a rough debut in Cleveland last week.
Tom Brady began his mammoth 10-year, $375 million contract with FOX last week, but it was far from a smooth transition into the broadcast booth for the seven-time Super Bowl champion. Fans and critics heavily criticized Brady’s performance in the Cleveland Browns-Dallas Cowboys game, notably his obvious nerves and lack of energy.
But fans were much more pleased with the NFL legend during Sunday’s contest between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The three-time league MVP certainly sounded more confident and at ease in his second game as an analyst:
Tom Brady is already wayyy more comfortable and natural in the booth this week than he was in week 1.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) September 15, 2024
I regret to inform you that Tom Brady is offering good, non-cliched insight in doses today. He sounds comfortable and confident and like he may even be enjoying himself. Who knew: the homicidally competitive guy may wind up being good at this
— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) September 15, 2024
Sorry Tom Brady haters.
But he’s been loose, confident and informative during the first half of Cowboys vs. Saints.
Much better game telecast so far by Brady and Burkhardt on Fox.
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) September 15, 2024
@TomBrady Get closer to Mic. Luv your commentary!
— shel huff (@HuffShel) September 15, 2024
I think Tom Brady is doing a pretty good job for his second game on the call
— Andrew Buckman (@buckmansports) September 15, 2024
Not sure if it’s a hot take or not. I’ve really enjoyed Tom Brady’s commentary in the booth today.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) September 15, 2024
Love Tom Brady’s honest right there.
I feel like most guys would say you’ve got to trust the WR in that situation, and Tom’s like “nah, don’t think I’m looking back his way after he did me like that.”
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) September 15, 2024
Best moment of Tom Brady’s young broadcasting career just happened. After Cowboys rookie WR slips, leading to INT, Burkhardt asks if Prescott should go back to the rookie WR to get confidence going.
Brady: “Not today.”
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) September 15, 2024
When you’ve got Tom Brady reacting like that, you’re doing something right. pic.twitter.com/ItQuzMSeYO
— Michael Bier (@MichaelJBier) September 15, 2024
The 47-year-old signed his 10-year deal with FOX in 2022, before beginning his final season as a quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady retired from football in 2023 and spent a year away from the game before commencing his career with FOX last week.
Brady was assigned to the network’s top team with play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and sideline reporter Erin Andrews. In a move criticized by many, FOX demoted Greg Olsen from the No. 1 team and put him on the No. 2 team with Joe Davis.
Burkhardt, Brady and Andrews will also be on the call for Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Louisana at the Caesars Superdome on Feb. 11.
Tom Brady Will Only Get Better With Time
Fans need to keep in mind that there’s a huge difference between playing professional football and calling it on live television for nearly three full hours. So it’s going to take time for Tom Brady to get fully accustomed to his new career, and patience is required for the most accomplished player in league history.
It also doesn’t help that Brady has been assigned to two straight blowouts, thus limiting the amount of analysis he can provide. Hopefully his Week 3 assignment will actually be compelling game.