Bill Simmons, a long-time admirer of Tom Brady, has always respected the legendary quarterback’s career.
However, that admiration doesn’t necessarily extend to Brady’s role in the future of the Las Vegas Raiders.
On the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the former ESPN personality discussed the Raiders’ future with Peter Schrager.
Brady, a minority owner of the team, is expected to play a significant part in shaping the franchise’s roster for the 2025 season.
While Simmons acknowledged Brady’s unmatched football accomplishments, he expressed doubts about the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s ability to rebuild the Raiders.
“I love Tom Brady. Brought me six Super Bowls, one of my favorite athletes of all time,” Simmons said. “This is a dangerous thing where you have him running a football team thinking he knows what’s best with quarterbacks because he was a great quarterback.
“Because all of the evidence with the great players we’ve had, name the sport, mostly they’re not good at this. They think they’re seeing things that other people don’t see, and it’s not actually rational.”
Simmons drew comparisons to other legendary athletes who struggled in front-office roles.
“Magic Johnson took Lonzo Ball over Jayson Tatum. You have Wayne Gretzky who ran a hockey team. How’d that go? Michael Jordan ran the Charlotte Hornets/Bobcats forever and he couldn’t be worse,” Simmons added.
Earlier this offseason, Brady reportedly attempted to recruit former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to join the Raiders, though Johnson ultimately accepted the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears.
Brady also met with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during a ski trip in Montana. While there are conflicting reports over just how “arraigned” that meeting was, it’s safe to assume Brady was in full-blown salesman mode.
Of course, Stafford decided to stay with the Rams on a re-worked contract, meaning Brady is still looking for a solution at quarterback.
With Brady’s influence growing within the Raiders’ organization, it looks like the offseason ahead will be a critical one for the team as they navigate their future direction.
Having said that, Simmons makes a strong point about legendary playing figures (like Brady) not always turning out to be competent front office decision-makers.
What are your thoughts? … Will Brady break the trend and end up being a success on that front???
