Tom Brady's influence on the Las Vegas Raiders is undeniable, despite his attempts to downplay his role as a limited partner. While Brady insists owner Mark Davis, GM John Spytek, and coach Pete Carroll are the primary decision-makers, sources within the team and league reveal his fingerprints are all over the franchise.
Brady's Impact on Raiders' Decisions
Following the 2024 season, Brady played a key role in the decisions to fire coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco. He directly contacted coaching and GM candidates and participated in the hiring process, ultimately leading to the appointments of Carroll and Spytek.
Carroll acknowledged Brady's integral involvement, stating it's Brady's opportunity to put his stamp on the franchise. He described working with Brady as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," highlighting Brady's push for greater investment in football operations alongside other minority owners.
The Near Miss of 2020
But this isn't the start of Brady's Raiders story. Mark Davis revealed that Brady was close to joining the Raiders as a quarterback in 2020 after leaving the Patriots. However, then-head coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock chose a different direction, sticking with Derek Carr.
Davis shared that he initiated a relationship with Brady in 2020, expressing that he'd like Brady to be a part of the organization when he was done playing. This ultimately led to Brady becoming a minority owner in May 2023.
UFC CEO Dana White previously stated that Gruden ruined a deal that would have brought both Brady and Rob Gronkowski to the Raiders. Brady himself has alluded to an unnamed team choosing another quarterback over him in 2020, with signs pointing to Derek Carr as the chosen player.
While Brady didn't become the Raiders' quarterback in 2020, his current role as a minority owner signifies a significant chapter in the franchise's history. His influence is already being felt, and it remains to be seen how his involvement will shape the Raiders' future.