Roger Goodell speaks out about Tom Brady tampering concerns

While the Las Vegas Raiders did not have the smoothest season on the field last year, they made the most impactful move off of it by bringing in legendary quarterback Tom Brady as a minority owner.

Throughout the season, principal owner Mark Davis promised that Brady would have major input in the Raiders’ decision-making process this offseason. So far, that statement has held true.

With Brady’s assistance, the Raiders were able to pick up head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, pairing a proven winner with one of the league’s brightest up-and-coming executives. Had it not been for the future Hall of Famer, the Raiders may have been looking at a completely different scenario.

What makes Brady’s case interesting, however, is he is forced to balance his role as part-owner with other responsibilities.

Prior to joining the Raiders, Brady was starting his first year as Fox’s leading NFL color commentator. The network signed Brady to a ten-year contract, and he will conclude his first season by calling Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Serving as a minority owner and broadcaster lead to concerns that Brady could give the Raiders a competitive advantage by divulging inside information to the team.

This was notable during the playoffs, when Brady was named commentator for the Divisional Round game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders. At the time, many believed the Raiders were pursuing Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for head coach, and many worried that Brady would have unfiltered access to Johnson.

During Super Bowl Media Week, the topic of Brady’s dual roles came up to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

“I think Tom has been incredibly cooperative,” said Goodell. “He calls frequently about it and says am I doing okay. And I think he is serious about making sure that he separates these two and he does not put the league or anyone in a position of conflict.”

While it is good for Brady to earn the support of Goodell, the fact he has to ask such questions as the commissioner alluded to highlights how out of the ordinary his situation is.

As Brady continues his work with the Raiders and Fox, controversy is all but guaranteed to follow.