If you’re sitting on your couch right now wondering what team does Tom Brady play for, you’ve probably noticed something weird. The guy is everywhere. You see him on Sunday afternoons dissecting defensive coverages on Fox. You see him in the headlines of every major sports site. You might even see him in a highlight reel for a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia.
But if you’re looking for his name on an active NFL roster, you’re going to be looking for a very long time.
The honest truth? Tom Brady doesn't play for an NFL team anymore. He’s retired. For real this time. "For good," as he put it back in 2023. But that doesn't mean he isn't "on" a team. In fact, he’s technically involved with several, just not in the way he used to be when he was dodging 300-pound defensive linemen.
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The Las Vegas Raiders: The Team He Actually "Plays" For (Sort Of)
Here is where things get interesting and slightly confusing for the casual fan. While Brady isn’t throwing touchdowns, he is officially a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s not just a ceremonial title, either. As we sit here in January 2026, Brady is basically the guy holding the keys to the franchise. The Raiders just wrapped up a pretty brutal 2025 season that saw them land the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Because of that, Brady has transitioned from "legendary quarterback" to "front-office power player."
- He’s hiring the staff: Along with GM John Spytek, Brady is currently spearheading the search for the Raiders' next head coach after Pete Carroll was let go.
- He’s scouting the QB: There is massive speculation that Brady is the driving force behind the team's interest in Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner everyone expects to go first overall.
- He’s in the building: Unlike some owners who just show up for the champagne in the luxury suite, Brady has been spotted at the team facility constantly, rolling up his sleeves to fix what’s broken in Vegas.
So, if you ask a Raiders fan what team do Tom Brady play for, they might jokingly (or seriously) tell you he’s their boss.
The Fox Sports "Team"
You can't talk about Brady in 2026 without mentioning his "team" at Fox Sports. He’s currently in his second full season as the lead color commentator alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
Initially, people were skeptical. His first year had some awkward moments—he sounded a bit like a football-playing robot trying to learn human speech. But honestly? He’s gotten really good. During the recent 2025-2026 playoffs, he’s been dropping "gems" that only a seven-time Super Bowl winner would know. He’s not just calling the play; he’s explaining why the quarterback made a mistake three seconds before it even happens.
He’s currently signed to a massive 10-year, $375 million deal. That’s more money than most active players make in their entire careers just to sit in a booth and talk about the game.
Wait, Is He Really Coming Out of Retirement in 2026?
Okay, don't freak out. He’s not returning to the NFL. But the rumors you’ve heard about him "coming out of retirement" in March 2026 are actually true—just with a catch.
Brady is set to play in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s a global showcase meant to hype up flag football before it debuts at the 2028 Olympics. He’ll be playing alongside his old buddy Rob Gronkowski and other legends like Tyreek Hill and Saquon Barkley.
It’s the first time he’ll be "on the field" in a competitive way since 2023. So, technically, for one weekend in March, the answer to what team does Tom Brady play for will be whatever flag football squad he drafts to beat Gronk’s team.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
To understand why people are still asking this question, you have to remember how long he dominated. Most of us grew up with Brady as the constant.
- New England Patriots (2000–2019): This is the dynasty. Six rings. Twenty years. The TB12 brand was born here, and for many, he will always be a Patriot.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022): The "retirement home" that wasn't. He went down to Florida and immediately won a seventh Super Bowl just to prove he could do it without Bill Belichick.
He officially retired in February 2023. Since then, the NFL has moved on to the Patrick Mahomes era, but Brady’s shadow is still huge.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Current Role
The biggest misconception right now is that Brady is "just an owner" or "just a broadcaster." The reality is way more complicated because of the conflict of interest rules.
Because he is a part-owner of the Raiders, the NFL has strictly limited what he can do as a broadcaster. For example, he isn't allowed to attend other teams' practices or sit in on production meetings where coaches share their secret game plans. This makes his job at Fox significantly harder than it is for guys like Tony Romo or Troy Aikman. He has to call games based purely on what he sees on tape and what he already knows from 23 years in the league.
Why This Matters for the 2026 Season
As we look toward the 2026 NFL season, Brady is essentially the architect of the Raiders' future. If they nail the No. 1 pick and hire the right coach (rumors are flying about him wanting a "Patriot Way" reunion with someone like Brian Flores), Brady will be credited with the turnaround. If it fails, he’ll take the heat.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- If you want to "see" him play: Watch the Riyadh Season flag football event on Fox this March. It’s the closest you’ll get to seeing the GOAT throw a pass again.
- If you want to hear his insights: Tune into Fox’s "America’s Game of the Week." He’s finally found his rhythm and is genuinely teaching the game better than almost anyone on TV.
- If you’re a Raiders fan: Pay attention to the draft. Brady’s fingerprints will be all over that No. 1 pick.
Ultimately, Tom Brady doesn't play for a team anymore because he’s busy trying to own the league in a completely different way. Whether he’s in the owner's box or the broadcast booth, the "Brady Era" hasn't actually ended—it just looks a lot different than it used to.