NFL: Tom Brady did not break rules after appearing in Raiders coaching booth

The NFL says Tom Brady did not violate any league rules after the former quarterback and Fox analyst was photographed sitting in the Las Vegas Raiders' coaching booth while wearing a headset during Monday night's game.

Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders and Fox's lead NFL analyst, was seen among offensive coaching staff during Las Vegas' loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The sight prompted questions from fans and commentators about a potential conflict of interest given Brady's broadcasting role and his minority ownership of the club.

NFL chief spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement that "there are no policies that prohibit an owner from sitting in the coaches' booth or wearing a headset during a game." McCarthy added that Brady "was sitting in the booth in his capacity as a limited partner" and that "all personnel sitting in the booth must abide by policies that prohibit the use of electronic devices other than league-issued equipment such as a Microsoft Surface Tablet for the Sideline Viewing System."

McCarthy reiterated that Brady remains barred from attending team facilities for practices or production meetings in person. "He may attend production meetings remotely but may not attend in person at the team facility or hotel," McCarthy said, noting Brady may conduct off-site interviews with players as he has done previously. The league also said it adjusted an offseason policy, sometimes referred to as the "Brady Rules," to allow Brady to attend production meetings remotely for games he is commentating.

ESPN sideline reporter Peter Schrager, reporting from the game, said Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly told ESPN that he speaks with Brady two to three times a week, that they go through film and the game plan, and that Kelly described Brady as "a luxury for the coaches." The exchanges drew criticism on social media from fans who said the arrangement raised fairness questions.

Observers pointed to scheduling overlaps that have heightened concern. Brady has called two games so far this season, including last weekend's Kansas City Chiefs-Philadelphia Eagles matchup and the New York Giants season opener against the Washington Commanders. The Chiefs are in the AFC West with the Raiders and will meet Las Vegas twice this season. Brady is scheduled to call a Dallas Cowboys-Chicago Bears game this weekend; the Bears are due to play the Raiders in Week 4.

Some fans posted on X that allowing a broadcaster who is also a minority owner to sit in a coaching booth creates a conflict, while others said a rule must exist to prevent such dual access. The NFL's statement did not address whether the league will consider further changes to address those concerns.

Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, signed a reported 10-year, $375 million broadcasting contract with Fox after retiring from playing. The network has assigned him as its lead analyst this season. The NFL's response clarifies what limited partners are permitted to do during games but reiterates existing restrictions on in-person access to team facilities and practices.

The Raiders have not released a separate statement about Brady's presence in the coaching booth. Fox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.