Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks refrained from commenting on the ongoing controversy surrounding Tom Brady’s dual roles as Fox’s No. 1 NFL analyst and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. At the Front Office Sports’ Tuned In summit on Tuesday, Shanks dismissed questions about a potential conflict of interest, saying, “Not gonna answer that. If there’s a conversation that needs to be had after last night, we’ll have it.”
Brady’s dual responsibilities have drawn heightened scrutiny after he was seen in the Raiders’ coaches’ box wearing a headset during Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. As a minority owner, Brady is more than a passive investor; he actively participates with the team, which some view as a conflict given his simultaneous role as a broadcaster covering the NFL, including other teams.
A spokesperson for the NFL, Brian McCarthy, clarified in an email to The Associated Press that Brady was present in the coaching booth in his capacity as a limited partner of the Raiders. He emphasized that “no policies prohibit an owner from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game,” but noted all personnel must adhere to strict regulations regarding electronic devices, limited to league-issued equipment like Microsoft Surface Tablets used for sideline viewing.
Former player and Fox analyst Greg Olsen, who was replaced by Brady as the network’s top analyst, openly supported Brady’s involvement with the Raiders. Olsen stated, “I’m not a hater. I say more power to him,” and argued that it would be logical for the Raiders to utilize Brady’s football experience. “If I’m the Raiders… why would you not utilize every resource and every aspect of your organization to try to find that slight margin to be the difference between winning and losing the game?”
Despite Olsen’s defense, many fans, analysts, and media members continue to raise concerns about the ethical implications of Brady’s overlapping roles. Critics argue that Brady’s involvement with the Raiders could provide unfair insight or leverage in his coverage of other NFL teams, highlighting the blurring of boundaries that could undermine journalistic neutrality and competitive fairness within the league.
Previously, Brady was restricted from attending Fox’s production meetings ahead of games in 2024 due to his Raiders ownership, but the NFL has relaxed these limitations in 2025. He is now permitted to participate remotely in those meetings, provided he does not enter team facilities or hotels in person. This adjustment illustrates the league’s effort to balance Brady’s commitments, though tension around the arrangement remains palpable.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports emphasized Monday night’s events as a pivotal moment, stating that seeing Brady involved so directly with the Raiders spotlighted what many had sensed: a problematic conflict of interest. Florio called for a clear resolution, urging either Brady to choose between his broadcasting and ownership roles or for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to intervene. Florio noted that Brady’s deep involvement as an owner crosses a line that the league traditionally aims to preserve between owners and media analysts.
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the issue is not expected to dissipate without a decisive stance from either Fox Sports, the NFL, or Brady himself. Stakeholders continue to monitor this complex situation where sports media, team ownership, and league integrity intersect.