https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/tom-brady-was-in-coaches-box-during-raiders-loss-to-chargers-reportedly-talks-with-oc-chip-kelly-multiple-times-a-week-051223944.html
Tom Brady appears to have a bigger role with the Las Vegas Raiders than previously thought.
The longtime New England Patriots star and future Hall of Famer was spotted in the coaches’ booth at Allegiant Stadium on Monday night for the Las Vegas Raiders’ 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. While it’s unclear how involved he was, Brady had a headset on and a tablet in front of him like the rest of the team’s coaching staff seated around him.
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Brady, according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager, meets with Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly multiple times a week throughout the season.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said the report of multiple meetings a week was “not accurate,” though he said both he and Kelly speak with Brady regularly.
“We have conversations. I talk to Tom, Chip talks to Tom regularly,” Carroll said, via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “We have a tremendous asset. And we all get along and respect each other. We just talk about life and football. He has great insight, so we’re lucky to have him as an owner.”
It’s easy to see why Kelly and the Raiders would want to consult with Brady, who had his purchase of a minority stake in the Raiders approved officially last year. He won seven Super Bowls throughout his 23 seasons in the league and is widely considered one of the best players in the history of the sport. Utilizing him to make your team better feels like a no-brainer.
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Brady is the lead analyst with Fox and calls games across the league each week as part of his broadcast job. That makes Kelly’s reported revelation that he talks with Brady multiple times a week and goes through film and game plans with him significant.
Because of his status as a franchise owner, Brady has to adhere to several restrictions that other broadcasters don’t, including not being able to attend team practices and visit team facilities. He initially wasn’t allowed to attend production meetings, either, but the NFL relaxed those rules recently and now allows Brady to attend production meetings with coaches and players each week remotely. Undoubtedly, Brady is still incredibly connected in the league.
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In a January interview with the Associated Press, Fox Sports president production and operations/executive producer Brad Zager denied any conflict of interest issues involving Brady, saying, “It’s questioning his professionalism and integrity. It’s ridiculous.”
Brady is scheduled to call the Dallas Cowboys’ matchup with the Chicago Bears next Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago, which will give him close access to both franchises. The following week, the Bears will head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/tom-brady-was-in-coaches-box-during-raiders-loss-to-chargers-reportedly-talks-with-oc-chip-kelly-multiple-times-a-week-051223944.html
