NFL owners’ decision to approve Tom Brady as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders was contingent on him agreeing to certain restrictions in his role as a Fox Sports in-game analyst. For instance, Brady can’t attend production meetings and does not have access to teams’ facilities, players or coaching staffs.
And as CBS Sports Jonathan Jones reports, Brady also agreed not to return as a player.
There are existing NFL rules preventing players from becoming owners. However, this reported promise appears quell any fears that Brady could sell his minority stake in a bid to make a comeback, as Michael Jordan did with the Washington Wizards in 2002.
The NHL, however, had no such rule, which is how Mario Lemieux became the league’s first player-owner in 2000-01.
An NFL spokesman did not immediately return DailyMail.com’s request for comment.
Tom Brady is not eyeing a return to the gridiron, he reportedly promised NFL owners
Former NFL player Marcus Allen, left and Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis greet each other
Read More
Tom Brady plots bombshell Bill Belichick reunion at Las Vegas Raiders, claims radio host
Brady opened his tenure as a minority owner of the Raiders on Wednesday.
Team majority owner Mark Davis sat on a bench outside the team facility looking chipper for a guy whose team is seemingly reeling after a 2-4 start to the season, one day after the franchise traded away Davante Adams, one of the league’s best receivers .
‘Hey guys!’ Davis said, wearing an ear-to-ear grin as reporters made their way to the media room.
Davis was anxiously awaiting Brady’s arrival, as was a small gathering of employees just inside the main lobby of the facility.
Using a cordless microphone to share a few words, Brady’s presence seemed to provide a breath of fresh air .
‘I have ultimate respect for Tom Brady,’ Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. ‘He’s a pro’s pro, he’s a grinder. His whole life has been hard to challenge.
‘I know we look at the end result and see the championships and the `GOAT’ label, but he’s worked his (butt) off. He’s worked his (butt) off into this opportunity to be a minority owner with the Raiders. And I think it’s a plus whenever you can get somebody that’s been successful and has grinded and is not a silver spoon person.’
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby jogs on the field
While there was still a buzz of Adams’ departure throughout the locker room , many of the Raiders were excited knowing Brady was in the building and what he could bring to the franchise.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who took over the offense two weeks ago, said he’s looking forward to learning from the seven-time Super Bowl champion, and wouldn’t mind some one-on-one time.
‘I know he’s pretty busy, but any time he’s got, I’ll definitely pick his brain,’ O’Connell said. ‘Obviously a great person to have in an NFL building. He’s someone who’s done it for so long at the highest level, and so you can learn a lot just in the things he says, even just his presence being around is awesome for us.’
Defensive captain Maxx Crosby said he’s hoping Brady’s competitive nature will permeate throughout the locker room.
‘He’s the ultimate competitor,’ Crosby said. ‘I know, personally, that’s the type of people I associate myself with, and having him around, I think it just adds value and winning to our culture.’
The seven-time Super Bowl champion purchased a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, a deal unanimously approved by NFL team owners on Tuesday at the league’s annual fall meeting.
Tom Brady addresses players at the Las Vegas Raiders facility in Henderson, Nevada
In a lengthy statement on X, Brady said he was ‘incredibly humbled and excited’ to receive approval.
‘I’m eager to contribute to the organization in any way I can, honoring the Raiders’ rich tradition while finding every possible opportunity to improve our offering to fans… and most importantly, WIN football games,’ Brady posted.
The deal was initially agreed upon in May 2023 , but it took owners 17 months to give their approval over concerns Brady was receiving too much of a discount from Davis. Brady’s new job as a broadcaster with Fox also was an issue because it could represent a conflict of interest.
‘There were a lot of things from a structural and due diligence standpoint that had to happen, which is why it took so long for it to be approved and we finally got all that put to bed,’ Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said.
The NFL placed restrictions on Brady before the season to limit his access. He is not permitted to attend production meetings in person or virtually and may not have access to team facilities or players and coaching personnel. Brady may broadcast Raiders games. He also has to abide by the league constitution and bylaws that prohibit public criticism of officials and other clubs.
Brady also owns a minority stake in the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, who are owned by Davis. Furthermore, Brady bought a stake in England’s Birmingham City Football Club.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Seymour, who played with Brady in New England, also received approval Tuesday to purchase a minority stake in the Raiders.
