Tom Brady, in his first season as an NFL analyst for Fox, faced significant criticism after calling the Ravens’ 34-17 victory over the Steelers in Baltimore on Saturday.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion stumbled during the broadcast, with his misstep on Najee Harris’ name drawing particular attention.
During the game, Brady mistakenly referred to Steelers running back Najee Harris as former Steelers player Najeh Davenport.
Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
The error sparked immediate reactions on social media.
“Tom Brady Najee Harris ‘Davenport’ Wrong Najee, Tom,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a clip of the soundbite.
Tom Brady Najee Harris “Davenport”
Wrong Najee, Tom. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/jrdY2Nc7kJ
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) December 21, 2024
Brady, 47, also misspoke while commenting on a play involving Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, initially stating Jackson had caught a touchdown pass in the first half.
Although Brady quickly corrected himself, the mistakes added fuel to the online backlash.
“Tom Brady is terrible in the booth. I’m sorry. Hope he can get better. Just so reactionary instead of predictive and insightful,” another X user wrote.
Tom Brady is terrible in the booth. I’m sorry. Hope he can get better. Just so reactionary instead of predictive and insightful.
— Spencer Rodgers (@SpencerRodgers0) December 22, 2024
The criticism extended beyond social media.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, who broke the news in May 2022 about Brady’s 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox, stated that Brady “regressed this week” and failed to provide the “extra insight” expected of a top-tier analyst.
Despite the criticism, some viewers defended Brady’s performance, noting his improvement in sounding more at ease in the booth.
Brady stepped into Fox’s lead NFL analyst role this season, replacing former NFL tight end Greg Olsen.
The network’s top broadcast team also features play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt.
According to a November report from Puck Newsletter, Fox producers are coaching Brady to focus more on on-field analysis and less on general observations.
The transition has not been without challenges.
Brady’s status as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest in his role as an NFL commentator.
League guidelines prohibit him from criticizing teams, officials, or other ownership groups while on air.
Last month, Brady avoided punishment after criticizing officials in a game between the Packers and Lions, sparking debate over how his dual roles might affect his commentary.
Brady retired from the NFL in February 2023 after a 23-year career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He took a year off before beginning his work as an analyst.
While his transition into broadcasting was highly anticipated, his first few games in the booth have been met with mixed reviews.
As Brady continues to adjust to his new role, Fox executives and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the NFL legend can find his footing and deliver the insightful, engaging analysis expected of the network’s $375 million investment.
.
