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

It seems like Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders are always in the news together, doesn't it? For many football followers, this connection might feel a bit puzzling, especially since Brady spent his playing days with other teams. Yet, there is, in fact, a very real and quite interesting history linking the legendary quarterback to the Silver and Black. We're talking about more than just casual speculation, so, it's almost a story that keeps on giving.

This surprising link actually goes back a few years, involving a dramatic near-miss that could have changed the course of NFL history. Beyond that, the connection continues today with Brady's more recent interest in a different kind of involvement with the team. He has, apparently, been keen to join the Raiders' ownership group.

So, how exactly do these two significant names in football come together? We're going to pull back the curtain on the various ways Tom Brady's path has crossed with the Las Vegas Raiders, looking at both the playing field rumors and the business side of things. You'll see, perhaps, just how close some of these moments truly were.

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Table of Contents

• Tom Brady: A Brief Look at a Football Legend
  • Personal Details and Career Highlights
• The Almost-Player Story: What Really Happened in 2020?
  • The Dana White Revelation
  • Jon Gruden's Role and the Veto
  • What If? The Impact on History
• Brady's Post-Playing Connection: The Ownership Bid
  • The Initial Reports and Mark Davis
  • NFL Approval Process and Delays
  • Why the Raiders? The Las Vegas Appeal
• Why Does This Connection Keep Coming Up?
  • Media Interest and Fan Speculation
  • Brady's Business Ventures in Las Vegas
• Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brady and the Raiders
  • Did Tom Brady nearly join the Raiders as a player?
  • Is Tom Brady an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders?
  • What was the connection between Tom Brady and Dana White/UFC regarding the Raiders?
• What's Next for Tom Brady and the Raiders?

Tom Brady: A Brief Look at a Football Legend

Before we get into the details of his Raiders ties, it's good to remember just who Tom Brady is. He is, quite simply, one of the most successful athletes to ever play American football. His career spanned over two decades, mostly with the New England Patriots, and then a couple of years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He really did achieve a lot in the game, you know?

Personal Details and Career Highlights

The Almost-Player Story: What Really Happened in 2020?

One of the most talked-about connections between Tom Brady and the Raiders centers on a moment in 2020. This was when Brady was a free agent, moving on from the Patriots. It turns out, there was a very real chance he could have ended up playing for the Raiders, or so it seems.

The Dana White Revelation

The story gained a lot of attention thanks to UFC President Dana White. He, apparently, shared a remarkable account during a UFC event in August 2022. White, who has close ties to Raiders owner Mark Davis, said he had a deal in place for Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski to join the Raiders in 2020. This was, basically, a huge surprise to many people.

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White explained that Brady and Gronkowski were ready to sign with the Raiders. The plan was, in fact, all set for them to make the move to Las Vegas. This would have brought a massive amount of star power to the team, which was just settling into its new home city. It really does make you wonder, doesn't it?

Jon Gruden's Role and the Veto

However, the story took a dramatic turn, according to White. He claimed that then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden, at the very last minute, decided against the move. Gruden, it seems, put a stop to the whole thing. This decision, apparently, shocked many of those involved, including Brady himself.

The impact of this alleged veto was, quite literally, immense. Instead of joining the Raiders, Brady and Gronkowski went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They then, as a matter of fact, won a Super Bowl together in their very first season there. That was a really big deal for the Buccaneers, and it left Raiders fans wondering what might have been.

What If? The Impact on History

It's fascinating to think about the "what if" scenario here. If Gruden had not, in fact, stepped in, Brady could have led the Raiders. How might that have changed the team's fortunes in their new Las Vegas home? It's a question many fans still ponder, and it really does highlight how close the team came to having a legendary player.

The Raiders, after all, have been looking for consistent success for a while. Adding a player of Brady's caliber, even in his later years, could have provided a significant boost. This near-miss, perhaps, remains one of the most intriguing "almost" stories in recent NFL memory.

Brady's Post-Playing Connection: The Ownership Bid

The story doesn't end with Brady's playing career. Even after he hung up his cleats, his connection to the Las Vegas Raiders continued, but in a different capacity. This time, it was about business and ownership, which is a bit of a different ballgame, you know?

The Initial Reports and Mark Davis

Reports began to surface in May 2023 that Tom Brady was in discussions to acquire a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Raiders owner Mark Davis, who also owns the Las Vegas Aces WNBA team, had already brought Brady in as a minority owner for the Aces. So, this was, in a way, a natural progression of their business relationship.

The proposed deal involved Brady buying a small percentage of the Raiders. This would make him a part-owner, giving him a stake in the team's future. It's a pretty big move for a recently retired player, and it shows his continued interest in the sport, and perhaps, in the Las Vegas market.

NFL Approval Process and Delays

Any ownership change in the NFL requires approval from the league's other owners. This process, apparently, can be quite lengthy and detailed. Brady's bid for a stake in the Raiders has been under review for a while now. There have been, in fact, some delays in getting the deal finalized.

The reasons for the extended timeline are not always clear, but they often involve legal reviews, financial checks, and ensuring compliance with league rules. It's a thorough process, which does make sense given the value and public nature of NFL franchises. This means, basically, things take time.

Why the Raiders? The Las Vegas Appeal

It's fair to ask why Brady has such a strong interest in the Raiders and Las Vegas. Beyond his personal relationship with Mark Davis, Las Vegas has become a hub for sports and entertainment. Brady has, in fact, other business ventures in the city, making it a place he clearly sees as important.

His interest in the Raiders, therefore, seems to be part of a broader strategy to expand his post-playing business portfolio in a thriving market. It's a smart move, you know, to connect with a team in a city that's growing so much in the sports world. Learn more about business ventures in sports on our site, and link to this page for more details on celebrity investments.

Why Does This Connection Keep Coming Up?

The link between Tom Brady and the Raiders seems to be a recurring theme in sports news. Even with the passage of time, people keep talking about it. This persistent interest is, in some respects, understandable given the dramatic nature of the events.

Media Interest and Fan Speculation

The media, naturally, loves a good story, and the "almost a Raider" tale is certainly one of those. It's a dramatic twist of fate that could have reshaped the league. This keeps the story alive, with new details sometimes emerging, or old ones being re-examined. Fans, too, are very keen to discuss what might have been, and what might still be.

Fan speculation, therefore, plays a big part. People enjoy imagining different outcomes for their favorite teams. The idea of Brady in a Raiders uniform, or as an owner, sparks a lot of conversation and debate among the team's supporters, and football fans in general. It's a topic that really does get people talking.

Brady's Business Ventures in Las Vegas

Beyond football, Brady's growing business presence in Las Vegas also keeps the Raiders connection relevant. He has, apparently, invested in other areas within the city. This includes his involvement with the Las Vegas Aces, as mentioned earlier. His overall commitment to the city makes his interest in the Raiders feel more natural.

These various business ties suggest a long-term strategy for Brady in Las Vegas. So, his potential ownership stake in the Raiders would fit right into that bigger picture. It's not just about football; it's about his broader influence in the city's sports and entertainment landscape. This helps explain why the story continues to have legs, so to speak.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Brady and the Raiders

Did Tom Brady nearly join the Raiders as a player?

Yes, according to UFC President Dana White, Tom Brady was very close to signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as a player in 2020. White claimed that a deal was in place for Brady and Rob Gronkowski to join the team. However, then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden, apparently, decided against it at the last minute. This led Brady and Gronkowski to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead, where they went on to win a Super Bowl.

Is Tom Brady an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders?

Tom Brady is currently in the process of acquiring a minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. While reports indicate a deal is in place with Raiders owner Mark Davis, the transaction still requires approval from the NFL's other owners. This approval process can take some time, and as of today, May 15, 2024, the deal has not yet been fully finalized. So, he is not yet officially an owner, but the intention is certainly there.

What was the connection between Tom Brady and Dana White/UFC regarding the Raiders?

Dana White, the President of the UFC, revealed in August 2022 that he played a role in trying to bring Tom Brady to the Raiders in 2020. White stated that he had worked out a deal for Brady and Rob Gronkowski to join the team. He was, apparently, instrumental in setting up the proposed move. However, White also claimed that Jon Gruden, who was the Raiders coach at the time, ultimately vetoed the deal, preventing Brady from becoming a Raider. White's account brought the "almost a Raider" story to widespread public attention.

What's Next for Tom Brady and the Raiders?

The biggest question now is when, or if, Tom Brady's minority ownership stake in the Raiders will receive full NFL approval. The league's process can be quite deliberate, and there are many factors involved in such a significant transaction. It's a situation that many people are watching closely, particularly those interested in the business side of professional sports.

If the deal does go through, it would solidify Brady's long-term connection to the Raiders and the city of Las Vegas. This could mean more than just a financial investment; it might also bring his considerable influence and experience to the team's operations, perhaps in an advisory role. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, and what it does for the Raiders moving forward. What do you think about Tom Brady's connection to the Raiders? Share your thoughts below!