Howie Long draws parallels with Tom Brady and John Madden as Patriots icon prepares for FOX broadcasting job
Tom Brady's impending FOX broadcasting debut is one of the most highly-anticipated storylines of the 2024-25 NFL season. It has generated much hype and many reactions, both positive and negative, from insiders and fans alike.
Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long is the latest one to weigh in. Speaking on his son Chris's Green Light podcast, he compared the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's ability to draw audiences and accumulate views as an analyst to a former legend of the profession (skip to 1:09:11):
"People are going to tune in for Tom. Generally you say the game is what draws people in, and I think that’s still true... it’s like John Madden. You’re watching John Madden do a football game and he brings a different element."
"Tom’s insight into situational football, into moments that he’s had during his career, challenges, things that you’re facing on the field in real time, he can reference. And I’m mesmerized by him."
FOX executives were agitated over Tom Brady interview about the impending network debut
Meanwhile, Brady has been busy ingratiating himself to the culture within FOX. He made an early broadcasting debut at the UFL Championship Game almost two weeks ago.
Then just last week, he visited The Herd with Colin Cowherd for an in-depth discussion about calling NFL games. Speaking on his eponymous podcast later that day, the veteran sportscaster later claimed that executives were very agitated before it unfolded:
"I’m seeing management all over the studio, and I’m like, 'Guys, I got this'. I started laughing at them; I’m like, ‘You guys come down here for one reason: you’re firing me, or I’ve got somebody important on.’ I’ve been doing this 30 years, I’m good. It’s Tom Brady." said Colin Cowherd.
Cowherd also believes that, for all the improvement he needs, the seven-time Super Bowl champion will excel in his new role:
“Brady’s important for the company. It’s a big move. He’s Tom Brady, it’s Fox, it’s the NFL,” Cowhere added.
He also revealed that Brady's contract would also include guest appearances on The Herd:
"Every time I interview Tom, I feel it’s a chapter. I tried to stay, because I’m going to interview him several more times, I talked a lot about process today."
"As the season comes along, it will be more about the season, the moment. Today, all I thought was I want to introduce Tom, how he thinks, to the audience," he continued.
The Dallas Cowboys-Cleveland Browns game will commence this era on September 8.