Tom Brady’s post-retirement career has taken him from the field to the broadcast booth and into the boardroom. As FOX’s lead NFL analyst and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady now holds two influential roles that occasionally overlap, creating a situation that the league is watching closely.
That overlap draws renewed scrutiny as the Chicago Bears prepare to face the Raiders in Week 4, following their upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. While Brady has not called a Bears game this season, his presence in production meetings and access to team strategy as a broadcaster have raised questions. Can someone with ownership stakes in one franchise objectively cover teams his club will soon face? Should the NFL draw a firmer line between media access and competitive integrity?
How Big a Deal Is Tom Brady’s Dual Role?
The controversy gained traction after Brady called the Eagles-Chiefs game in Week 2, while the Bears were battling the Detroit Lions in a tough divisional loss. Though Brady was not in the booth for Chicago’s game, the timing of his FOX assignments and his Raiders ownership has prompted concern across the league.
With the Bears set to face Las Vegas in Week 4, his dual role has become a major talking point, even though he will not call that specific game. Some analysts worry that Brady’s access to production meetings, where broadcasters often speak with coaches and players, could give the Raiders a subtle edge.
However, others argue it is a non-issue. They point out that game film is publicly available and that most teams adjust their schemes weekly.
How Is the Bears’ Coaching Staff Responding?
When asked about Brady’s dual roles and whether they concern him, Bears head coach Ben Johnson responded calmly and measuredly during Monday’s press conference.
“I’ve been careful with everything I’ve said since the season started,” Johnson said. “I’m in pure coach-speak mode. So to me, it’s just business as usual. I’m just fine. I like Tom, and we have a really good relationship.”
“I’m really not worried about it. I mean, we change week to week in terms of what we do. Schematically, he’s going to be able to turn on the tape and see what everybody else in the world sees right now. It’s not like I’m going to sit down with him like, ‘Don’t do this to Caleb Williams or you might get him.’ There’s not going to be any trade secrets that are going to be exchanged. I just don’t think it’s really a big deal, to be honest with you.”
“I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal”
Ben Johnson on viral clip of Tom Brady in the booth on Sunday👇 pic.twitter.com/LiURJEXvPo
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 17, 2025
Johnson’s relaxed, even humorous, tone made his message clear: Brady’s unusual position will not distract his team. While Johnson may be unfazed, other coaches and media have raised concerns. Brady’s unique position, sitting in on game prep one week and then watching as an owner the next, has prompted calls for cleaner boundaries.
For its part, the NFL has maintained that Brady’s role is transparent and limited in scope. However, the conversation will not likely fade away as more teams face the Raiders after appearing on FOX broadcasts.
Meanwhile, Chicago is gearing up for a high-stakes Week 3 matchup against the Cowboys at Soldier Field. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams continues to show glimpses of hope, and Johnson’s staff is focused on building momentum after a tough loss to Detroit.
As Johnson put it best, “I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal.” Brady’s ownership status might be a headline for the Bears, but it is just background noise in their preparation.
