NFL legend Michael Strahan believes Tom Brady will bring a unique level of credibility to the commentary booth ahead of his FOX Sports debut in the 2024 season.
On Wednesday, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 23 seasons. He won seven Super Bowls over an illustrious career that spanned two decades with the New England Patriots - where he won six of his championships - and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady is preparing for the next chapter of his life where he will enter the commentary booth with FOX Sports after signing a blockbuster deal with the broadcaster last year. The network signed a 10-year contract worth $375 million (£306m) when he made his original retirement 12 months ago.
FOX Sports initially thought Brady would join their roster last year after he retired only to sensationally reverse his decision just 40 days later. However, the former quarterback is now done with the NFL ‘for real’ and has reportedly informed the broadcaster he will get to work in the booth in the 2024 season.
NFL legend Michael Strahan knows what it’s like to face Brady, defeating him with the New York Giants to deny the 45-year-old a coveted undefeated season. Strahan revealed he was excited to finally be on the same team as the seven-time Super Bowl champion ahead of his commentary debut.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Tom, having him around and listening to him call games and just seeing him excel at another facet of the sports world,” Strahan told Mirror Sport at FOX's Super Bowl media availability in Phoenix, Arizona. “This guy has seen more football than anyone else in the league. He’s 45 years old - I had already retired nine years before!
“I think he’ll bring his knowledge of the game, his knowledge of offences, his knowledge of defences, and just his ability to express that so the audience at home easily understands it. That’s what he’s going to bring to the booth, as well as just a certain sense of credibility. It’s freaking Tom Brady!”
On his famous Super Bowl win over Brady, Strahan added: “Tom said he would give up a few Super Bowls to win that one. Undefeated season? That would have been special. It would have been unbelievable.”
Strahan also expressed surprise - and regret - at Brady’s decision to retire. The New York Giants icon called on his former rival to reconsider his decision and potentially chase an eighth ring.
“I thought he was going to come back and give it another shot,” Strahan added. “Not in Tampa, but I thought he would give it another shot - it’s not too late. You can retire more than twice.
“Tom, you have another in you. Come back, you’re the GOAT. I want to see him play because he set records last year. I don’t want it to end when I know he still has it in him.”
Ahead of the next stage of his life, Brady claimed he could be ‘scathing’ in the booth and likened himself to renowned golf commentator Johnny Miller. Brady’s revelation of his potential style of commentary would be a stark contrast to popular CBS analyst Tony Romo, who showers praise on quarterbacks and offensive ingenuity with infectious enthusiasm.
The 45-year-old will have another familiar face in the studio at Fox Sports: four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski. The legendary former tight end joined the broadcaster as an on-air analyst midway through the 2022 season after opting against a return to the NFL himself.
