Weighty (Day) For Brady: He’s Retiring, This Time ‘For Good’; Fox Sports In '24

By Barry Janoff

UPDATED February 6, 2023: Recently retired Tom Brady said he would not join Fox Sports as a NFL analyst until the 2024 season.

"I want to be great at what I do," Brady told Colin Cowherd on Fox Sports 1's The Herd today. "I was talking even last week with the people at Fox Sports, and the leadership there allowing me to start my opportunity in the fall of 2024 is something that's great for me.”

In May, Brady signed a ten-year deal with Fox Sports, valued at $375 million by industry analysts, to be its No. 1 NFL game analyst alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

"So, (I'll) take some time to really learn, become great at what I want to do, become great at thinking about the opportunity and make sure I don't rush into anything,” he told Cowherd.

“I think one thing about my career whether it was when I was drafted by the Patriots or signing agreements with the Bucs, I wanted to be fully committed and I never wanted to let people down.

“I want to be great at what I do, and that always takes some time and strategizing and learning and growing and evolving. I have so many people to rely on that could support me in that growth too.”

UPDATED February 2, 2023: NBC Sports: Appearing Thursday morning on CNN, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that he hopes to sign Brady to a ceremonial one-day retirement contract.

“I’d do it tomorrow,” Kraft said, via Mike Dussault of Patriots.com. “Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it and to us, he always has been and always will be a Patriot. . . . We’ll do everything we can in our power to bring him back, sign off as a Patriot and find ways to honor him for many years to come.” Full story here.

February 1, 2023: JJ Watt has a potential new golf partner, but the NFL has one less All-Pro quarterback.

Acknowledging that he has done this before, Tom Brady said today he is retiring, this time “for good.”

The news, which Brady shared via a video posted to social media, comes exactly one year (Feb. 1, 2022) after Brady first shared retirement news, only to un-retire some 40 days later.

“Good morning, guys, I’ll get to the point right away: I’m retiring for good,” Brady said in the video today.

“I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first.

"So I won’t be long-winded. I think you only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year. So, really, thank you guys, so much, to every single one of you, for supporting me.

“My family, my friends, teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there’s too many. Thank you, guys, for letting me live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all.”

If he does not play again, Brady will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2028.

JJ Watt, who also retired this season and will be on the 2028 Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot, posted to his social media platforms, “Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate. It’s been an honor and a privilege.

“The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet.”

Brady may play golf but he will not be unemployed.

In addition to his marketing deals. he has Brady Brand active and performance sportswear, Autograph NFTs and TB12, described as a holistic approach to health and wellness.

In 2020, he launched 199 Productions — the New England Patriots selected him as the 199th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft out of Michigan — to "develop documentaries, films and TV shows.”

In May, Brady signed a ten-year deal with Fox Sports, valued at $375 million by industry analysts, to be its No. 1 NFL game analyst alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

He could be on-air for the 2023 NFL season, based on statements at the time.

"We are pleased to announce that immediately following his playing career, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady will be joining us at Fox Sports as our lead analyst,” Lachlan Murdoch, Fox CEO and chairman, posted to social media last May.

“Over the course of this long-term agreement, Tom will not only call our biggest NFL games with Kevin Burkhardt, but will also serve as an ambassador for us, particularly with respect to client and promotional initiatives.”

Endorsement deals include Hertz, Under Armour, Molecule Mattresses, Upper Deck, Ugg, Footlocker, IWC watches and Cloos x Brady eyewear, all from which he earns some $100 million, according to industry analysts.

“As a player, Tom Brady was a wonder, and as a person, he remains an inspiration,” Kevin Plank, Under Armour founder and executive chairman, posted to the brand’s Web site.

“His dedication to training not just his body but his mental strength demonstrated how we all can unlock our best performance. We were honored to play a role in his professional career, and he will always be part of the UA family.”

Among his playing accolades, Brady won seven Super Bowls — six with the Patriots, one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — five Super Bowl MVPs, three NFL MVPs and was a 15-time Pro Bowler.

He was named to the NFL's 2000's and 2010's All-Decade Teams and the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

"Tom's impact on our franchise these past three years has been immense and we are appreciative of the time we had with him here in Tampa Bay," the Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, said via the team.

"He set an exceptional standard that elevated our entire organization to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history."

Brady BrandThe Patriots posted to their Web site: “Forever a legend, Congratulations.”

Team owner Robert Kraft added, "I am so proud of Tommy. He has accomplished everything there is to achieve in this game, and so much more.

“No player in NFL history has done it as well for as long as Tom Brady. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever known and the ultimate champion.

“He led the Patriots to two decades of unprecedented dominance. He is truly the greatest of all-time. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for everything he has done . . . I will always consider him a part of our family."

And from his former coach, Bill Belichick, "Tom Brady was the ultimate winner. He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history. His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis.

“His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike. Tom was a true professional who carried himself with class and integrity throughout his career.

“I thank Tom for the positive impact he had on me and on the Patriots and congratulate him on his amazing career."

Tom Brady Picks Next Team: Fox Sports

Tom Brady Retires; Brady Brand, Businesses Still In Play

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