The seven-time Super Bowl champion is slated to call his first major game for FOX on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Tom Brady will provide color commentary for Super Bowl LIX, while Kevin Burkhardt handles play-by-play duties.
Burkhardt, known for his professionalism and ability to break down the complexities of the game, is a trusted presence in the booth. However, Brady, widely regarded as the NFL’s greatest quarterback, has faced significant criticism in his first season as an announcer. His struggles during Week 17 only heightened doubts about his readiness to call the world’s biggest annual sporting event.
“He’s awful at this job,” one fan tweeted. “It’s awkward. Just keeping it 100.”
Another fan commented, “He’s the GOAT, but announcing isn’t really his thing (for now).”
A third fan added, “Niceties aside, he’s a truly AWFUL announcer and should quit before he tarnishes his legacy.”
During a live broadcast before the Green Bay Packers’ 27-25 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Brady stumbled when asked to recall the three teams that had beaten the Packers earlier in the season. Despite being awarded a record-breaking 10-year, $375 million contract by FOX, Brady struggled to name the teams.
“Two of them to the (Detroit) Lions—they’re a good team,” Brady said. “The (Philadelphia) Eagles, they lost to them. They’re a good team.”
An awkward silence followed as Brady failed to identify the third team, which turned out to be the Vikings—the Packers’ opponents that day. Cameras captured the uncomfortable moment as Brady eventually moved on, saying, “Anyway, they’ve got a big opportunity today to go on the road, and really a litmus test for what they’re going to face in two weeks. Can’t wait to watch.”
Brady’s terminology also puzzled fans, as he repeatedly referred to the “red zone” as the “red area,” a term less commonly used in NFL broadcasts.
“Tom Brady irks me,” one fan tweeted. “‘The red area’—it’s the red zone.”
Another posted, “Somebody PLEASE tell Tom Brady it’s called THE RED ZONE, not ‘The Red Area.’”
Additionally, fans pointed out his unusual pronunciation of “sacks,” which sounded more like “socks.”
With about a month to prepare for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Brady faces mounting pressure to improve. Fans are unlikely to hold back if he underperforms on such a massive stage.
