Drew Bledsoe makes fun of Tom Brady’s “squeaky” voice
Mackenzie Salmon spoke to NFL star Drew Bledsoe about Tom Brady’s upcoming career as a sportscaster and makes fun of his “squeaky” voice.
Sport in Seriousness
Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady made his highly anticipated debut… in the commentary booth.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion officially began his second stint as FOX Sports’ lead commentator on Sunday alongside his live commentary partner Kevin Burkhardt, who ultimately overshadowed the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. But like a rookie quarterback making his big-league debut, Brady’s first official game came under scrutiny in the locker room.
“You’re a radio presenter! How about that,” said Burkhardt after introducing his partner, who needed no introduction.
Brady replied with a smile, “We’re here. It’s been quite a journey. I’m happy to be your partner.”
Brady’s performance drew mixed reviews from social media users, as his nervousness was evident early on. He had a few issues with his rhythm and his delivery was choppy at times, in addition to several moments of dead air that are usually filled with commentary. A somewhat awkward fist bump between Brady and FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira – “Don’t let me down” — summed up the first half as he settled in.
“Tom Brady is clearly pretty nervous about his NFL commentating debut. It’s kind of funny to remember that the greatest quarterback of all time is still human at the end of the day,” said one X-user. written online.
Brady seemed to find his rhythm and became more comfortable in the locker room as the game went on. His commentary became more insightful and engaging, even reminding viewers that he was “still a rookie here,” but many NFL fans pointed out that Brady still had a lot of room for improvement.
As the final seconds ticked away, Brady noted the stark difference between playing and commentating: “I’ve used my arm and my body for so many years. Now I walk into a stadium and I can use my voice… As Michael Strahan told me before the game, tomorrow you’re going to wake up on Monday morning and you’re not going to be in pain. I’m happy about that.”
“Back to work”
FOX Sports first announced in May 2022 that Brady would join the network’s lead commentary team. The announcement came ahead of Brady’s final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, after he announced his decision to retire after 40 days in March 2022. Brady “permanently” ended his playing career in February 2023, taking a year off during the 2023-24 NFL season. He is scheduled to commentate on the 59th Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.
Fox has aired a new Brady commercial to commemorate his first game as a sportscaster. The commercial begins with a sports pundit questioning Brady’s decision to head to the locker room instead of “laying on the beach and getting fat on pina coladas.”
“What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football?” said Brady of the New England Patriots, one of many uniformed Bradys featured in the commercial. Brady of the Buccaneers added, “They don’t understand that you live and breathe football. Because you’re Tom Brady. And our football journey is far from over.”
The current Brady added: “Back to work.”
Tom Brady’s television debut received mixed reviews
Gary Lezak, a former chief meteorologist in Kansas City, preached “patience” while Brady finds his rhythm. It’s only Week 1, after all.
“Tom Brady is getting beaten up in his debut as a commentator on X,” said Lezak wrote. “I’ve spent 38 years in broadcasting and he’s a newbie on his first day. I can tell he’s very nervous and that’s not something that’s going to get better right away. He’s going to get a lot better, so give him some leeway. And let’s see if he improves in the next few weeks.”
Here are the reactions from social media users:
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