Tom Brady has taken on a dual persona within the football world this season. Fans have already witnessed his booth work at Fox. However, they were largely unaware of Brady’s innerdealings with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Now, the Chicago Bears head coach’s agent, Rick Smith, sheds light on the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s work as an owner.
Tom Brady Persuaded Ben Johnson To Link Up With the Raiders Instead of the Bears
The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator was one of the hottest prospects in the coaching carousel this season. Almost every team was linked with Johnson at one point or another.
The strongest, however, were the rumors of Johnson being persuaded by Brady to come to Las Vegas. Johnson’s agent recently appeared on the “Bears Banter” podcast and revealed his dealings with Brady.
“Initial gut reaction Day 1 on the Raiders was no-go,” Smith said. “Tom Brady absolutely has an extremely compelling case. It gets you to listen. The whole thing with Ben to the Raiders, that was never right.”
Ben Johnson’s Agent Rick Smith on if the Las Vegas Raiders were a legit option and the timing of accepting the Chicago Bears job.
Interesting perspective here. #OnePride
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He stated that he did not quell the rumors since he thought they’d be beneficial for his client. “Ben made a decision Monday morning [after the Lions lost against the Washington Commanders]. That was the first time we ever rang the team,” Smith added.
Brady Has Major Sway in Las Vegas
Despite being a minority owner, the 47-year-old is alleged to be the top man behind the scenes in Las Vegas. The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini revealed the extent of Brady’s power during her appearance on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast.”
“Let’s just start with making it really clear that Tom Brady is running everything in Vegas,” Russini said. “It’s all Tom Brady. I think there’s some rumors, some chatter — I’m telling you, this is all Tom Brady there.”
“He is trying to do it and change the Raiders and have a tremendous amount of influence on them.”
After not being able to secure Johnson for the HC job, Brady and Co. have hired former Seattle Seahawks head honcho Pete Carroll to lead the Raiders.