Tom Brady Reportedly Declined $6 Billion NFL Deal Due to Conflict with FOX Colleague

Tom Brady Reportedly Declined $6 Billion NFL Deal Due to Conflict with FOX Colleague

In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the sports and media industries, NFL legend Tom Brady reportedly walked away from a $6 billion opportunity to join the ownership group of the Washington Commanders—not due to financial concerns or scheduling conflicts, but allegedly over a professional clash with a potential FOX Sports colleague.

Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion who retired in 2023, was long expected to make a significant impact both in broadcasting and team ownership. Initial speculation suggested that Brady’s departure from the deal was related to his existing $375 million, 10-year contract with FOX as their lead NFL analyst. However, sources now indicate that the real reason was a personal refusal to work alongside former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3), who was being considered for a FOX Sports role.

The rumored tension between Brady and Griffin dates back to a 2014 joint practice between the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders, where Griffin allegedly approached Brady for advice but was turned away—an encounter insiders say left a lasting impression. That strained dynamic may have resurfaced when Griffin, after being released by ESPN in 2024, was reportedly in talks to join FOX to cover college football.

While the Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris, had shown interest in bringing both Brady and Griffin on board in separate capacities, Griffin ultimately turned down a similar ownership opportunity, citing potential conflicts with his broadcasting career. In a statement to Awful Announcing, Griffin even referenced Brady’s situation as a cautionary example.

Brady, meanwhile, faced additional complications stemming from his minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Dubbed the “Brady Rules,” these NFL-imposed restrictions barred him from participating in production meetings, team facilities, and offering critical commentary on officiating, creating further obstacles to a seamless dual role as both analyst and owner.

According to insiders, the possibility of sharing the spotlight with Griffin—whose outspoken media style contrasts Brady’s more reserved professionalism—was a decisive factor in his refusal to move forward with the Commanders deal. Despite his public commitment to his broadcasting career, the friction reportedly raised concerns for Brady about the long-term viability of his role at FOX if forced to work alongside someone he did not trust.

The news has divided public opinion. Supporters admire Brady’s principled stand, viewing it as consistent with his intense competitiveness and high professional standards. Critics, however, argue that turning down such a monumental opportunity may hinder his post-playing legacy and influence in shaping the NFL’s future.

Griffin has continued to express support for the Commanders and remains open to ownership opportunities in the future, signaling a willingness to navigate the complexities that Brady chose to avoid.

As Brady prepares for his second season in the FOX broadcast booth, questions remain: Was this truly a matter of incompatible personalities—or is there more beneath the surface? For now, one thing is clear: even a $6 billion offer wasn’t enough to compromise the GOAT’s personal code.