Netflix saw an ambitious bid to hire Tom Brady for its Christmas Day NFL coverage rejected by Fox, according to reports.
Brady recently began his new venture as an NFL analyst for Fox after putting pen to paper on a staggering $375million deal with the network ahead of the 2024 season.
The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who was roasted over his debut in the broadcasting booth earlier this month, is tied to Fox on a 10-year contract, meaning he is unavailable to their rivals for the next decade.
And according to the New York Post, Netflix recently found that out the hard way.
The streaming giant – which recently secured a $150m deal to air Chiefs vs. Steelers and Ravens vs. Texans on Christmas Day – is believed to have asked Fox if it can use Brady for its festive NFL broadcasts, a request which was swiftly turned down.
Netflix saw an ambitious bid to hire Tom Brady for Christmas Day NFL coverage rejected by Fox
Netflix was keen to pair the football icon with his current TV partner Kevin Burkhardt, only for Fox to reject the approach.
After failing to land Brady and Burkhardt, the likes of Ian Eagle, Noah Eagle, Greg Olsen and Nate Burleson have emerged as alternative targets.
No deals have yet been finalized, though Fox is understood to be ‘contemplating’ an arrangement for Olsen.
Netflix wanted to hire Brady for its Christmas Day games despite his controversial start to announcing.
The 47-year-old’s debut for the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns season opener was heavily scrutinized earlier this month, with NFL fans slamming his performance in the booth.
He was roasted by some fans early on after one awkward turn of phrase where he said: ‘It’s hard to make 10, but really hard to make 20 yards’.
A fan wrote on X: ‘Maybe someone should have listened to Tom Brady actually say words before dropping $300m on him,’ referencing the 10-year, $375million deal that Fox gave him.
Netflix was keen to bring Brady and Fox partner Kevin Burkhardt over for its festive broadcasts
But Fox rejected the streaming giants’ advances after Brady recently began his $375m deal
However, Brady managed to pull off one of his famous NFL comebacks as he stepped up his performance during the Cowboys’ defeat to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.
And there was one moment in particular that had NFL fans convinced he was fit for the booth.
Trailing 28-13 and driving, Cowboys quarterback Prescott looked in the direction of Jalen Brooks but the second-year receiver slipped on his route and the pass was intercepted.
Following the blunder, Fox Sports announcer Kevin Burkhardt asked Brady on the commentary if Prescott should go back to the receiver during the game – and the retired quarterback did not hold back.
Brady did not hesitate as he immediately offered an extremely blunt response. He said: ‘Not today.’
‘It’s actually quite tough to go back there today,’ He expanded. ‘You know where he’s at and you’re going, “God, I’m going to him and I just can’t count on him that he’s going to stay on his feet.”
The legendary NFL quarterback’s broadcasting career has so far proven controversial
‘He obviously trusts him to do the right thing, but can he make the play? Ultimately, can he go out there and execute?’
NFL fans lapped up Brady’s brutal honesty with many hailing it as the best moment of his broadcasting career so far.
‘Tom Brady wasn’t messing around. Cold blooded lmao,’ on fan posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Best moment of Tom Brady’s young broadcasting career just happened,’ another said. ‘After Cowboys rookie WR slips, leading to INT, Burkhardt asks if Prescott should go back to the rookie WR to get confidence going.’
