We all know the history between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. For two decades they were the ultimate player-coach collaborators, creating a dynasty that delivered six rings. Then there was that awkward stretch at the end, when Belichick low-balled the GOAT and they became football frenemies. Now they're suddenly both off the field, and they'll do battle in a completely different venue.
Brady and Belichick are now contestants in the media game, which means they'll be competing for eyeballs as they deliver their takes on the upcoming NFL season. It isn't quite a direct competition, but it is fascinating given the completely different business models they're using in their new career shifts-- especially given that they both spent decades mastering the art of talking while saying nothing.
Bill Belichick's media approach is all about diversification
The former New England Patriots coach will be everywhere this fall. He's already been a guest on Pat McAfee's show, and he'll be joining the Manning brothers in their ongoing, ad hoc running commentary on Monday Night Football.
Belichick will also be on the CW, of all networks, doing Inside the NFL. In addition, he'll add his telestrator skills to a new gig called "Coach with Bill Belichick," a fantasy football show that basically represents the opposite of everything the Hoodie espoused as a coach. Finally, he'll be on SiriusXM during the season, cohosting the "Let's Go" podcast together with Jim Gray, who used to be a nonstop Brady interviewer.
Had enough yet? The obvious goal here is for Belichick's takes to be omnipresent, so that he can convince an owner who happens to be tuning in that he should hire the former Pats coach. What Belichick likely really wants is to get another crack at coaching so he can beat out Don Shula for the all-time win record.
The formerly dour Belichick has already proven to be erudite and entertaining so far in his new life as a media maven, so maybe we won't get sick of him after all. He probably won't be sticking around in this role for long, though, so make sure to enjoy or despise him while you still can.
Tom Brady, meanwhile, wants to have his media cake and eat it, too
Brady's approach to his new media life has been completely different. He lined up his new gig as Fox's lead analyst shortly after he "retired" again, and after that he sat out the season doing other things, most prominently trying to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
This is creating all kinds of headaches for both Brady and the other NFL owners. The deal was held up for months because Brady reportedly got his share of the Raiders for a bargain price, and the owners have slapped all kinds of restrictions on Brady in an attempt to get him to pick a lane in his post-playing career.
Specifically, Brady won't be allowed at production meetings with players he'd normally talk to for an upcoming game. Nor will he be able to criticize officials when he sees calls he doesn't like during those games.
That means his takes will be at least somewhat neutered before he even has a chance to get them out. There are already many observers who can't see Brady harshly criticizing guys he's played with in the last few years, so he's going into the media game with the verbal equivalent of one arm tied behind his back.
Who's keeping score in the Brady vs. Belichick media battle?
So who cares about all of this, really? Their bosses will, of course, as will the players who find themselves on the wrong end of a Belichick barb or a backhanded Brady "compliment." Fans will so what fans do, which will be some combination of shrugs, support and disdain, along with the usual array of other more colorful reactions.
The real scorekeepers in this particular battle are the other media members--specifically, the folks who put together ratings and track eyeballs. Not to mention the various media critics in all kinds of outlets who have been licking their chops at the prospect of this kind of battle for years.
The real games will be played on the field, of course, but if you find yourself tuning in on a boring game and you're looking for a potentially lively diversion, this battle will be broadcast live on so many outlets you won't be able to avoid it.
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