Tom Brady may have retired from his gridiron duties a few years ago, but his influence remains intact because of his achievements in the league. As a former seven-time Super Bowl Champion, Brady is now busy trying his hands as an NFL owner. And his job at the Las Vegas Raiders remains one of the toughest in the league. A team that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs for the last 3 seasons remains in the hunt for its 4th head coach in 8 seasons. So, with major changes on the way and an offseason full of drama expected. Brady has found loyalty in star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby, who has made the Pro Bowl four times since joining the Raiders back in 2019, remains a crucial piece for Brady’s future empire in Vegas. So, his admiration of Tom Brady could mean a lot to the Raiders’ minority owner. Sitting down on the NFL Network with Rich Eisen, Crosby gave his honest opinion on Brady: “I’ve known Tom for a few years now. You know we talk here and there, and like you said. He came in to win, and that’s what he’s done his whole life…I believe in Tom, and we’ll see what happens. So, I’m really excited to see, you know, what the future holds.”
“I believe in Tom.”@CrosbyMaxx is excited to see what @TomBrady brings to the Raiders organization. pic.twitter.com/Ykor0cDZnW
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 19, 2025
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With Crosby’s support, Brady wouldn’t have to worry about losing the face of the franchise. Like there were certain rumors that Crosby would probably not return next season. However, it’s safe to say that for now, Crosby isn’t going anywhere. His commitment to the Raiders would help Brady continue his search for a new head coach in Sin City. And speaking of the head coach, Crosby also gave his take on what he wants from Brady’s choice, “I cannot go and say a name you know directly. For me, the number one thing is winning.”
But winning isn’t the only thing he demands from the Raiders front office. He also wants stability and a new culture to live by every day: “At the end of the day stability, someone that brings culture, energy on a daily basis and is consistent. I think is the most important thing.” So, there you go—Brady now knows what he needs to search for in a head coach. And based upon Crosby’s demands, can that man be the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson? Well, Brady seems to be quite interested in the Lions OC, as he tried his best to avoid NFL punishment by naming Johnson.
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Tom Brady shows his cleverness as Fox Sports broadcaster
All eyes were on broadcaster Brady on Saturday because of his possible conflict of interest surrounding him being the Raiders minority owner. Now, with the NFL keeping a close eye on Brady’s comments as a Fox broadcaster. What Brady did every time there was a play surrounding Johnson’s Lions was sheer cleverness. Let’s just say Tom still hasn’t forgotten how to dodge sacks—in this case, it’s the NFL’s rulebook. He didn’t mention Johnson’s name once throughout the game, even though his partner, Kevin Burkhardt, did so once or twice.
There was a moment in the game where Johnson’s trick play didn’t work and resulted in a Commanders’ pick. Witnessing that botched attempt, Brady said, “Tried to run something a little bit gimmicky…and at this point, Williams trying to make a decision, a non-quarterback, trying to throw the football and read a defense and…not a great time for a trick play.” Yeah, Johnson didn’t manage to execute an ambitious gimmick properly. But Brady did ace in his gimmick by avoiding Johnson’s name in his reaction to it.
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Seeing Brady come prepared with his dos and don’ts before the Lions vs. Commanders game earned him some praise. Dan Shanoff of The Athletic called Brady’s broadcasting duties at Ford Field “his best performance as a broadcaster.” Seeing Brady doing everything he can as an owner of the Raiders, only one question comes to mind: has the former Patriots QB zeroed in on Johnson’s imminent arrival in Sin City? Considering the measured approach he took by refusing to name Johnson, the 38-year-old could be the next head coach for Raiders.
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Can Tom Brady's winning mentality turn the Raiders into a playoff contender after years of struggle?
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