Long-time FOX analyst Terry Bradshaw’s fears about new contributor and NFL icon Tom Brady could be realized.
Bradshaw, who has been a fixture on screens since 1994, has seen his position come under scrutiny recently due to a series of on-air mistakes. The arrival of former New England Patriots star Brady, who has just transitioned into an analyst role with a hefty contract, has only increased the pressure on him.
His reported 10-year deal, amounting to a staggering $375million (£290m) to call games, follows in the footsteps of major deals handed out to former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Tony Romo by the network in recent years. Bradshaw, who is believed to earn around $2m (£1.5m) per season working for FOX, publicly welcomed Brady to the team this year.
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However, he didn’t hide his concern that Brady’s mega-deal could have serious implications for him and colleague Howie Long. In October, Bradshaw and Long appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel Show to discuss their broadcasting careers, with the former taking a contemplative approach to his future at FOX.
“If I can keep my health together, I love what I’m doing,” he said. “But we all get old and we’re going to get kicked out. I’m not looking over my shoulder, but [Tom] Brady is coming in for $37.5million.
“I thought it was good [on Brady’s arrival] then I thought it was bad, because they won’t have any money for me and Howie. It is what it is.”
Tom Brady is believed to be on major money at Fox (
Fox Sports)
Bradshaw’s passion for his role is evident. He once humorously remarked in an interview with Denver Sports 104.3 about his ideal exit strategy: “I told FOX: ‘If I could just die on the show, think about the ratings, right?”
Yet, there have been increasing calls for Bradshaw to retire. Ex-sports anchor Mark Giangreco, who now works at ESPN radio after leaving ABC7 in 2021, has been a strong supporter of Bradshaw but recently expressed concern over his apparent on-air struggles.
“Terry Bradshaw stumbling thru the hilites was funny and folksy at first now it’s really aggravating, uncomfortable and annoying, falling behind and mispronouncing until Curt Menefee (FOX commentator) has to take over and bail him out,” Giangreco wrote on X. “It’s sad. I love the original TB. Save him from the embarrassment.”
Terry Bradshaw (L) on Jimmy Kimmel Live (
Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images)
Giangreco acknowledged with a thumbs-up emoji when retired sports anchor Dave Kerner weighed in, saying: “This is when the execs have to step in.” Some fans have even joined the chorus begging for Bradshaw to hang up his mic.
After a recent on-air blunder, one viewer expressed concerns online: “Is it just me or does it seem like Terry Bradshaw forgetting a lot of things he should know?” Someone else remarked: “Terry Bradshaw is a legend, but it’s over.”
A third fan confessed: “Terry Bradshaw was struggling to get through the first-half highlights. I hate to see that.”
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