Tom Brady’s debut in a Super Bowl broadcast booth loomed as one of the biggest storylines heading into Super Bowl LIX, and the Fox Sports analyst drew mixed reviews on social media.
And Fox Sports play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt drew a similar mix of love and hate.
Brady got the real scrutiny, not surprising for an NFL legend who is now a rookie broadcaster with a $375 million contract. That scrutiny even included Brady’s appearance. Many social media users questioned if he’d had a cosmetic procedure recently.
Okay Tom, that face is pulled all the way back! #SuperBowlLIX
Y’all think Tom Brady got a little Nip & Tick or 💉 pre #SuperBowl? pic.twitter.com/SYKApqySzf
— The Cosmetic Lane (@TheCosmeticLane) February 9, 2025
Podcaster Joe Pompliano noted Brady appeared to be wearing a $600,ooo watch.
It looks like Tom Brady is wearing a Jacob & Co.
Caviar Tourbillon for his first Super Bowl as a broadcaster.That’s a $600,000 watch. pic.twitter.com/qQngqaZ5Bv
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) February 9, 2025
Burkhardt and Brady did not benefit from having a competitive game to call, as the Philadelphia Eagles completely dominated the Kansas City Chiefs, winning 40-22. Early in the game, Brady showed his assertiveness, disagreeing with a pass interference call on Eagles receiver A.J. Brown.
Didn’t take long to get an officiating controversy.
Both Tom Brady and Mike Pereira disagreed with this offensive pass interference call on the Eagles.pic.twitter.com/TVhZmQXDNI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 9, 2025
But in terms of Brady and Burkhardt’s performance in the booth, some of the reviews were brutal. Awful Announcing asked fans for feedback at halftime, asking “How would you rate the commentary from Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady?”
UConn basketball announcer Joe D’Ambrosio responded with one word: “Awful.”
Awful
— Joe D’Ambrosio (@JoeDSports) February 10, 2025
Other fans left more positive reviews.
Burkhardt is great. All Brady does is tell us what just happened. Sad. Tony Romo is always predicting what’s going to happen.
— Ang (@BigAnglind) February 10, 2025
Not everyone was impressed with Burkhardt’s work, however.
Brady is great but could work on his rhythm & cadence. Burkhardt is generally unimpressive and would be ranked mid- to low-tier in a previous generation.
— Brian O’Leary (@BrianDOLeary) February 10, 2025
Another common criticism of Brady is that he referenced his own career too much.
Tom Brady has spent the entire night talking about himself.
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) February 10, 2025
So, mixed reviews at best for Burkhardt and Brady on social media.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.