Tom Brady is retired. He’s been out of the pads for nearly three full seasons now. Yet, somehow, he is still the most influential person in the NFL. It's weird, right? You’d think without a helmet, he’d just be another face in the crowd. Instead, as of January 2026, the Tom Brady power rankings conversation has shifted from "how many yards did he throw?" to "how much of the league does he actually own?"
He’s the lead analyst for FOX. He’s a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s a Chief Wellness Officer for a major health tech firm. Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to how he’s ranking the current league, you're missing the real story of the 2026 playoffs.
The 2026 Postseason: Who Tops Tom Brady’s Power Rankings?
Every week, Brady drops his "Top 10" teams on FOX. It’s become a bit of a ritual for fans. It isn't just some intern putting a list together; Brady’s rankings often reflect the "mental toughness" he obsessed over during his 23-year career.
As we head into the thick of the 2026 playoffs, his Week 18 rankings caused a bit of a stir. He’s got the Seattle Seahawks at #1. They finished 13-3 and look like an absolute wagon. But look at his #2: the Denver Broncos. Why? Because Brady values structure and prep over raw flash. He’s been vocal about how much he respects teams that don't beat themselves.
Here is a look at how his latest list shook out:
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- 1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3): He loves their balance.
- 2. Denver Broncos (13-3): A nod to their disciplined "no-mistake" football.
- 3. San Francisco 49ers: Brady still respects the scheme consistency here.
- 4. New England Patriots: Yeah, a bit of nostalgia, but they went 13-3 this year.
- 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: He noted they have "all the tools" if the QB play stays level.
It’s kind of funny seeing the Patriots back in his top five. It’s like the universe is resetting itself. But the real shocker was the Chicago Bears at #9. Brady has been praising Caleb Williams lately, even after the Bears lost to the Niners in Week 17. He sees the "it" factor.
Why the "Brady Power" Is Moving to the Front Office
If you thought his power ended at the broadcast booth, you haven't been watching the Raiders. Following the chaos of Black Monday (January 5, 2026), Brady has basically become the shadow GM in Las Vegas.
After the Raiders fired Pete Carroll following a brutal 3-14 season, the team announced that General Manager John Spytek would lead the coaching search in close collaboration with Tom Brady. Think about that. A minority owner with a 5% stake is now picking the next head coach.
The rumor mill is spinning. People are saying Brady wants Jesse Minter from the Chargers or maybe his old buddy Brian Daboll. Since Brady and Spytek were teammates at Michigan, the "Michigan Mafia" vibe is real. They have the #1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Everyone expects them to take a quarterback like Fernando Mendoza. You can bet your life that Brady’s personal "power rankings" of college QBs will decide who that kid is.
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The Legacy Rankings: Is He Still the GOAT?
Every time Patrick Mahomes has a big game, the internet starts the "is he better than Brady?" debate again. It’s exhausting.
Honestly, the stats don't even tell the whole story, though they’re pretty ridiculous. Brady finished with 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns. That’s more than some franchises have in their entire history. But in 2026, we’re looking at his legacy through a different lens.
Experts like those at NESN and BroBible still put him at #1 on the all-time list, usually followed by Jerry Rice or Lawrence Taylor. The gap isn't just about the seven rings; it's about the fact that he was the oldest MVP at 40 and the oldest Super Bowl MVP at 43. He didn't just play long; he played better than the kids while he was "old."
What Most People Get Wrong About the GOAT Debate
- It’s not just the rings: People say "rings are a team stat." Fine. But Brady won with two different franchises and three different versions of the Patriots.
- The "System QB" Myth: He played in a dozen different systems. He was the system.
- The Longevity: Mahomes is amazing, but will he be doing this at 45? Brady’s 2021 season (at age 44) saw him throw for over 5,300 yards. That’s a video game stat.
The New Business of TB12 in 2026
If you follow him on Instagram, you saw the news on January 12. Brady joined eMed as their Chief Wellness Officer. He’s moving into the digital health space, specifically focusing on weight-loss medications like GLP-1s.
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It’s a far cry from "Deflategate," but it shows where his mind is. He wants to rank at the top of the "longevity" industry now. Between his Pizza Hut commercials (where he mocks his own "Hut!" call) and his wellness ventures, his off-field power rankings are just as high as his NFL ones.
He even admitted on The Herd recently that his final season in Tampa was "tough" due to the emotional strain of his divorce and family issues. It’s a rare bit of vulnerability from a guy who used to be a robot on the field. It makes his 2026 transition feel more human. He isn't just a statue; he’s a guy who’s figuring out a very loud second act.
Navigating the Brady Era of 2026
If you want to keep up with the real influence of the GOAT, you have to look past the old highlight reels. Here’s how to stay updated on the actual "power" he’s wielding right now:
- Watch the Raiders Coaching Search: This is Brady’s first real test as an executive. If he picks a winner, his "front office" ranking skyrockets.
- Monitor the Fox Broadcasts: Pay attention to his "QB analysis." He recently explained how to throw in 25mph winds, and even the "Brady haters" had to admit it was the best analysis on TV.
- The 2026 Draft: Watch the Raiders' #1 pick. That player is essentially a "Brady-approved" prospect. If that QB busts, it’s on Tom.
Brady’s story isn't over; the medium just changed. Whether he’s ranking the top 10 teams on a Sunday afternoon or ranking the next generation of quarterbacks for the Raiders, he’s still the gold standard. We’re just living in his world now.