Tom Brady has retired ‘for good’ this time, so he says.
It certainly did feel different, 12 months after making a similar announcement; the 45-year-old alerting his Instagram followers of the massive decision.
It comes a few weeks after his Tamp Bay Buccaneers were eliminated from the Playoffs race, with attention turning to his future. As we wrote about recently, the GOAT had several options outside of retirement. Ultimately, though, a couple of quiet and reflective weeks led him to a firm ‘nah’.
And all power to him, he now has enormous post-playing plans to turn his attention to.
Before last season, Brady signed a giant broadcast deal with Fox. So while his quarterbacking days are done, it’s actually time for a pay rise.
What is Tom Brady’s broadcast deal?
Brady won’t be stressing about his superannuation any time soon.
The greatest NFL player of all time is now officially the most expensive commentator of all time as well, singing a 10-year US$375 million ($AUD 540 million) dollar deal with Fox Sports US.
Brady will become a lead analyst as well as Fox ambassador. Some believe he may only be used in ambassadorial means; schmoozing with corporates for the most part. Only time will tell.
The 45-year-old now tops the list of the highest paid sports broadcasters in the world. But it begs the question, who else is on the list?
Who joins the GOAT as world sport’s most expensive sports broadcasters?
*story originally published 12/5/2022*
Tony Romo | AUD $257.1 million
Coming in behind Brady is former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo, who signed a new deal with CBS in 2020 for US$180 million (AUD $257.1 million) over 10 years.
Commentator Joe Buck reportedly signed with ESPN for US$22 million (AUD $31.4 million) per year.
Troy Aikman | AUD $132.1 million
Being a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback certainly pays the bills.
Aikman recently left Fox for rival network ESPN and signed a five-year deal worth a reported US$92.5 million (AUD $132.1 million), or US$18.5 million (AUD $26.4 million) a year.
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Stephen A. Smith | AUD $17.1 million per year
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is also doing incredibly well financially.
He reportedly earns $12 million (AUD $17.1 million) per year.
Jim Nantz | AUD $15 million per year
Veteran CBS sports broadcaster Jim Nantz is worth as much as US$10.5 million (AUD $15 million) per year.
Skip Bayless | AUD $45.6 million
‘Shock jock’ Bayless is next on the list after reportedly re-signing with Fox on a US$32 million (AUD $45.6 million), four-year contract.
Al Michaels | AUD $8.5 million per year
The iconic NBC veteran, who’s potential retirement has been speculated in recent years, still earns US$6 million (AUD $8.5 million) per year.
All of these broadcasters have a proven track record, of course. As of yet, Brady does not.
Yet there are too many questions emerging over his credentials. Such is the reputation and legacy of the soon-to-be Hall of Famer. The figures are eye-watering, but if the budget’s there, Fox have thrown a high-upside deep ball.
Who is playing in the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is on the 13th of February (in Australia), with kickoff at 10:30am AEDT.
Jalen Hurts’ Philadelphia Eagles will meet Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
The big game is at State Farm Stadium, in Glendale, Arizona. In America’s southwest, it’s being played at the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
Our full preview is here:
