After retiring and then un-retiring this NFL offseason, Tom Brady added another wrinkle to his storied career as it was announced that he would join Fox Sports in the broadcast booth on a 10-year, $375 million deal after he finally retires from playing. This offseason has seen an unprecedented shakeup in the NFL broadcasting market as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman both departed Fox after two decades to join ESPN among other notable moves.
Brady’s deal represents a gamble on the part of Fox not only in respect of the financial value but also in structuring the agreement to go into effect upon Brady’s retirement which will, at this time, be at least another season away. From Brady’s perspective, it represents strong career planning to secure the deal for his second career while he’s still playing. Professional athletes have unique opportunities beyond their playing career and it is important that while they focus on their performance they also keep one eye on the future and ensure they keep their options open for whatever opportunity might come down the pipe.
