No football broadcaster’s debut had ever been as hyped up as Tom Brady’s.
In retrospect, it was inevitable that it would underwhelm.
After being told by various people in the NFL and broadcasting world that Brady would excel right off the bat, the reality was that he sounded like someone still getting used to the role when he called last week’s Dallas Cowboys-Cleveland Browns game alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
Initial reviews noted that while Brady wasn’t bad, he seemed nervous, hesitant to speak, and working through cadence and timing issues.
Early on in Brady’s second stint wearing the headset for Fox, he already sounds like an improving broadcaster.
Calling his second (of how many?) Cowboys games, Brady’s work during the first quarter of Sunday’s showdown with the New Orleans Saints showcased an analyst who understands what’s asked of him and how he can add to the viewing experience.
“The speed of these two WRs forces separation in this zone coverage.”@TomBrady breaks down the big pass from Derek Carr to Olave to set up the @Saints touchdown!
📺: FOX | @NFL pic.twitter.com/lG5BriNNfc
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 15, 2024
His breakdown on Derek Carr’s 70-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed brought some of that excitement that Scott Hanson and others were looking for.
“Derek Carr just droppin’ a DIME!” – Tom Brady 🏈🎯🎙️pic.twitter.com/TG9A1yETFa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 15, 2024
Brady’s enthusiasm also led to some Romo-esque noises during particularly exciting plays.
Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady are calling a WILD Saints-Cowboys game in Dallas. 🏈🔥🎙️pic.twitter.com/LpbnZNM6RN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 15, 2024
Across the board, many of the media critics and other media members who had muted reactions to Brady’s debut had quickly come around based on the improvements they heard so far.
Tom Brady much more assertive early as compared to first quarter opening week.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) September 15, 2024
Tom Brady sounded waaaaay more comfortable and locked in on that opening drive.
— Bryan Curtis (@bryancurtis) September 15, 2024
Tom Brady is already wayyy more comfortable and natural in the booth this week than he was in week 1.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) September 15, 2024
Brady said this past week that he was aware of some issues that he needed to fix.
“Certainly a lot of fun, definitely some things to clean up. So it’s all a learning process,” Brady said. “Felt like I was doing what I should be doing, and I just know it’s going to get better.”
Just like on the football field, it appears that Brady knows how to make quick adjustments and improve.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.