The NFL has quietly reversed course on its “Brady Rules” restrictions, opening the door for Tom Brady—Fox Sports’ star analyst and part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders—to sit in on production meetings with teams and coaching staffs throughout the 2025 season. Multiple sources with knowledge of the decision confirmed the change to The Athletic.
The Story Behind the ‘Brady Rules’
When Brady stepped into the broadcast booth for his rookie season, league officials essentially locked him out of these crucial information-sharing sessions. The logic was straightforward: his Raiders ownership stake could create unfair advantages. Still, the NFL bent its own rules during this year’s Super Bowl broadcast, giving us a preview of what was coming.
Brady’s Workaround Strategy
Up until now, Brady has had to work around these limitations by leaning heavily on play-by-play partner Kevin Burkhardt and other broadcast team members who could attend the meetings in his place. These sessions—whether they happen over Zoom calls or face-to-face—give broadcasters access to coaches and players sharing strategic insights that can make or break game coverage.
What Stays Off-Limits
While Brady can now join production meetings, he’ll still be barred from team practices—that particular restriction remains firmly in place. Neither Fox Sports nor the NFL offered official comments when reached about this policy shift.
Super Bowl Precedent and Political Maneuvering
The temporary suspension of Brady Rules for the Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs marked a turning point. Interestingly, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt was among the most vocal supporters of the original restrictions against Brady, whose stake in a division rival clearly didn’t sit well with him.
Brady’s 2025 Broadcasting Slate
At 48, Brady is gearing up for year two of his massive 10-year, $375 million Fox Sports deal. His season opener is set for September 7, calling the 1 p.m. ET showdown between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders.
While NBC holds the Super Bowl broadcast rights this year, Brady will still handle plenty of marquee matchups, including late Sunday afternoon games, Thanksgiving Day coverage, and playoff battles like the NFC Championship Game. His first big late-afternoon assignment comes in Week 2 with a Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and Eagles.
(Photo credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
