What Does Tom Brady Have To Do With The Las Vegas Raiders?

For many football followers, the idea of Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback, having any real connection to the Las Vegas Raiders might seem, well, a little surprising. After all, his long and storied career was mostly with the New England Patriots, and then a successful run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet, in a way, there's actually more to this story than meets the eye, a sort of behind-the-scenes drama that has, you know, linked him to the silver and black in a few interesting ways.

The whispers and near-misses involving Brady and the Raiders have created a pretty compelling narrative over the past few years. It's not just about a player possibly joining a team; it's about big names, big decisions, and the sometimes wild world of professional sports. So, too it's almost, if you've ever wondered about this connection, you are definitely not alone.

This article aims to clear up the confusion and lay out the facts. We'll explore the various instances where Tom Brady's path either nearly crossed with the Raiders or, in fact, did, in a somewhat different capacity. It's a tale of what-ifs, business moves, and the lasting impact of one of the game's greatest figures on a franchise looking for its own distinct identity in a new city. That, is that, what we're here to talk about.

• Does Jemperli Cause Hair Loss
• Which Cancer Is Not Curable
• What Was King Charles Diagnosis
• What Does Bad Breath From Cancer Smell Like
• Can A Person Sense That They Have Cancer

Table of Contents

• Tom Brady: A Brief Look at a Legend
• The 2020 Free Agency Near Miss
  • The Gruden Factor
  • Dana White's Revelation
• Brady and Raiders Ownership: Rumors to Reality?
  • The Las Vegas Aces Connection
  • NFL Approval Process
• Friendship with Mark Davis
• Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brady and the Raiders

Tom Brady: A Brief Look at a Legend

Before we get into the specifics of his Raiders connections, it helps to remember just who Tom Brady is. He is, you know, widely considered the most accomplished quarterback in the history of the National Football League. His career spans over two decades, marked by an incredible number of victories and records. He's a player whose name is synonymous with winning, very, very much so.

Born in San Mateo, California, Brady played college football at Michigan before being drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. This relatively late draft pick turned into one of the greatest sports stories ever told. He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships. Later, he moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won another Super Bowl there. He retired from playing in early 2023, though his presence in the sports world, a little, remains quite strong.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some personal details for Tom Brady, just so you have a bit of background, you know.

• Does Julian Mcmahon Have An Accent
• How Much Did Alyssa Milano Make Per Episode Of Charmed
• Did Luke Perry And Shannen Doherty Like Each Other
• Who Is Julian Mcmahons First Wife
• Why Didnt They Wear Bras In Charmed

The 2020 Free Agency Near Miss

One of the biggest stories connecting Tom Brady to the Las Vegas Raiders happened in 2020. This was when Brady, for the first time in his long career, became a free agent. He had spent two decades with the New England Patriots. Many teams, naturally, wanted him. The Raiders were, apparently, a very strong contender for his services, more or less.

The Raiders had just moved to Las Vegas. They were looking for a big name to really kick off their new era in the city. Bringing in a player of Brady's caliber would have been a massive statement. It would have, you know, instantly changed the perception of the franchise, giving them a huge boost in their new home. This period was full of speculation and hushed conversations.

The Gruden Factor

At the time, Jon Gruden was the head coach of the Raiders. Mike Mayock was the general manager. Reports later came out that Gruden, in fact, was the reason the deal did not happen. Brady was very interested in playing for the Raiders. He saw the potential in the team and the excitement of Las Vegas. However, Gruden, it seems, decided against bringing Brady in. He preferred to stick with Derek Carr, the team's current quarterback. This decision, a bit, surprised many people at the time and even more so later on.

The reasoning behind Gruden's choice has been debated. Some suggest he wanted to build his own team, rather than inherit a superstar at the end of his career. Others think he might have been worried about Brady's age, even though Brady went on to win another Super Bowl with the Buccaneers shortly after. It was, arguably, a pivotal moment that changed the course of both Brady's career and the Raiders' immediate future.

Dana White's Revelation

Years later, in 2022, UFC President Dana White dropped a bombshell. He claimed that he had worked out a deal for Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to join the Raiders in 2020. White is a close friend of Mark Davis, the Raiders owner. He said the deal was "all but done." However, at the last minute, Jon Gruden apparently "nixed" the entire thing. This revelation, naturally, sparked a lot of conversation and confirmed what many had suspected about the near-signing.

White explained that Brady was even looking at houses in Las Vegas. Gronkowski, who had retired from football, was ready to come back and play with Brady for the Raiders. White expressed his frustration with Gruden's decision, calling it a "done deal." This story, you know, really highlighted how close the Raiders were to landing Brady. It also showed the significant influence a coach can have on such major decisions, even when the owner and a superstar player are seemingly on board.

Brady and Raiders Ownership: Rumors to Reality?

The connection between Tom Brady and the Raiders did not end with the 2020 free agency saga. More recently, Brady has been linked to the Raiders in a different, arguably more permanent, way: through ownership. Reports began circulating in 2023 that Brady was in talks to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. This news, you know, generated a lot of buzz across the sports world, very, very quickly.

This move would be quite unique for a former player. It would give Brady a direct stake in an NFL franchise. It also means he would be transitioning from a player to a business partner. This kind of step is, in some respects, a rare path for retired athletes. It shows his continued interest in the sport beyond playing, and his desire to stay involved at a high level.

The Las Vegas Aces Connection

Tom Brady's move into sports ownership began with another Las Vegas team. In March 2023, he announced he was buying a minority stake in the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces are a WNBA team, and they are also owned by Mark Davis. This initial investment in a team owned by Davis seemed to pave the way for a potential NFL venture. It showed a clear business relationship developing between Brady and the Raiders' owner. It was, you know, a pretty clear signal of things to come, or so it seemed.

This WNBA investment was a significant step. It demonstrated Brady's commitment to the Las Vegas sports scene. It also, quite simply, established a working relationship with Mark Davis. This relationship is a key part of the entire Raiders ownership story. It suggests a level of trust and mutual interest that goes beyond just a player-team dynamic.

NFL Approval Process

For Tom Brady to become a minority owner of the Raiders, the deal needs to be approved by the NFL's owners. This is a standard procedure for any ownership change or new investor in the league. The process involves a thorough review of the proposed deal and the individual involved. It's not, you know, just a rubber stamp; it requires careful consideration by the league. As of late 2023 and early 2024, this approval process was still ongoing.

Reports indicated that the NFL owners were, perhaps, taking their time with the approval. There were questions about the valuation of the stake and the structure of the deal. Some reports suggested that the league wanted to ensure the deal was fair and followed all rules. This waiting period has kept the story alive, with many people curious about the final outcome. It's a complex process, you know, with many different parties involved in the decision.

The approval process is, quite simply, a necessary step. It ensures stability and fairness across the league. If approved, Brady's ownership would mark a truly historic moment. It would solidify his connection to the Raiders beyond just playing. It would make him a permanent part of the team's future, in a way, which is a big deal for everyone involved.

Friendship with Mark Davis

Underlying both the near-signing and the ownership talks is a strong personal connection between Tom Brady and Raiders owner Mark Davis. Their relationship, it seems, goes back many years. They share a mutual respect and, apparently, a common vision for sports. This personal bond, you know, has likely played a very significant role in all the discussions and potential deals between them.

Davis has expressed admiration for Brady's accomplishments and his business acumen. Brady, in turn, seems to appreciate Davis's approach to sports and his commitment to the Las Vegas market. This friendship is, in some respects, a driving force behind the ongoing discussions. It's not just about business; it's also about a shared passion for competition and building successful organizations. This kind of relationship, actually, can make a big difference in the world of professional sports, where personal connections often matter quite a bit.

Their connection is, you know, a clear example of how relationships can shape major decisions in the sports world. It’s a testament to the fact that even at the highest levels of professional sports, personal bonds can open doors and create opportunities that might not otherwise exist. This friendship, arguably, is a key piece of the puzzle when you consider Tom Brady's ties to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brady and the Raiders

Did Tom Brady ever play for the Raiders?

No, Tom Brady never actually played a game for the Las Vegas Raiders. While there were very serious talks about him joining the team as a free agent in 2020, the deal did not happen. He ultimately signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that year, and, you know, went on to win a Super Bowl with them.

Why didn't Tom Brady go to the Raiders?

Tom Brady did not go to the Raiders primarily because, apparently, then-head coach Jon Gruden decided against bringing him in. Despite interest from Brady and the team's owner, Mark Davis, Gruden chose to stick with the existing quarterback, Derek Carr. This decision was later confirmed by UFC President Dana White, who said a deal was almost complete. It was, you know, a very close call.

Is Tom Brady part owner of the Raiders?

As of early 2024, Tom Brady is not yet a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, but he is in the process of becoming one. He has an agreement to buy a minority stake in the team. This deal, however, still needs to be approved by the NFL's owners. He already holds a minority stake in the Las Vegas Aces, the WNBA team also owned by Mark Davis. Learn more about sports ownership on our site.

The story of Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders is, in some respects, a complex one, full of near-misses and surprising turns. From the very close call during 2020 free agency to the ongoing discussions about minority ownership, Brady's presence has, you know, certainly loomed large over the franchise. These connections show how even the biggest names in sports can have unexpected links to different teams and cities. It's a reminder that the world of professional football is full of intriguing possibilities, and sometimes, the biggest stories happen off the field. You can also explore the history of NFL free agency to see how these decisions often shape team futures.