It’s the question that refuses to die, honestly. You’d think after seven Super Bowl rings and a retirement that actually stuck (eventually), we’d stop asking who do tom brady play for, but here we are in 2026 and the guy is still everywhere.
He’s not in a helmet. Well, mostly.
If you’re looking for a jersey to buy, you’re basically looking at throwback racks or the broadcast booth. But it’s complicated. Tom Brady is currently "playing" for three different giants: Fox Sports, the Las Vegas Raiders, and—in a weird twist—a flag football team in the desert.
The Short Answer: He’s Retired (From the NFL)
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Tom Brady does not play for an NFL team as a quarterback anymore. He finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in early 2023. Before that, he spent twenty years—a lifetime in football years—with the New England Patriots.
He’s 48 now.
Most guys his age are worried about their knees while playing pickleball. Brady is busy managing a multi-billion dollar portfolio, but the itch to compete hasn't totally vanished.
The Fox Sports Era: The $375 Million "Team"
If you turn on your TV on a Sunday, that’s where you’ll find him. Brady is currently the lead color commentator for Fox Sports. He’s in the middle of a massive 10-year, $375 million contract. That is more money than he made in most of his playing seasons.
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It wasn't an easy start. Fans kinda roasted him during his first year in 2024. People said he was too stiff or too "corporate." But by now, in the 2025-2026 season, he’s actually gotten really good. He breaks down defensive coverages like he’s still standing behind a center.
- Network: Fox Sports
- Role: Lead NFL Analyst
- Partner: Kevin Burkhardt
- Current Status: Active
He’s the "A-team" analyst, meaning he gets the biggest games every week. If there’s a massive playoff matchup in Seattle or San Francisco, Brady is there with a headset on.
The Las Vegas Raiders: Playing the Long Game
This is where it gets interesting for people asking who do tom brady play for in a professional sense. Brady isn’t playing on the field for the Las Vegas Raiders, but he is helping run the show.
In October 2024, he officially became a minority owner of the Raiders. He owns about 5% of the team. But don't let the "minority" tag fool you. He’s been incredibly hands-on.
As of January 2026, Brady is basically the shadow General Manager. After the team moved on from Pete Carroll recently, Brady has been right in the thick of the search for a new head coach. He’s working alongside John Spytek, the Raiders' GM and Brady's old college teammate from Michigan.
They have the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Everyone expects them to take a quarterback—specifically Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. It’s a bit poetic, really. The greatest QB of all time is now the guy responsible for drafting the next one.
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The Saudi Arabia Twist: Flag Football
You might have seen headlines saying Brady is "coming out of retirement" to play again.
Kinda.
In March 2026, Brady is heading to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He’s playing in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. It’s a round-robin tournament featuring legends like Rob Gronkowski and current stars like Tyreek Hill.
It’s not the NFL. There are no 300-pound linemen trying to break his ribs. But it is competitive. Brady actually said in a press release that his "competitive juices are flowing" and he plans on bringing home the trophy.
So, technically, if you want to see him actually throw a football in a competitive game this year, that's your only chance.
Why We Still Can't Let Go
The reason people still search for who do tom brady play for is because of the "un-retirement" of 2022. He retired from the Bucs, stayed away for 40 days, and then came back.
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It created a "Boy Who Cried Wolf" scenario.
Even now, whenever a starting quarterback gets hurt—like when the 49ers or Jets have a crisis—Brady’s name starts trending on X (formerly Twitter). People want to believe he has one more drive in him.
But the Raiders ownership deal actually makes it almost impossible for him to return as a player. The NFL has strict rules about owners also being players. He’d need a vote from almost every other owner to allow it, and most of them are probably glad he’s finally out of their hair.
A Legacy Divided
When you look at his career, it's really two different lives:
- The New England Dynasty: Six rings, Bill Belichick, and two decades of dominance.
- The Tampa Bay Finale: One ring, a "fuck you" to the doubters, and proving he could win outside of Foxborough.
By 2026, he’s moved into his third life: the Executive/Broadcaster. He’s more of a businessman now than an athlete. His net worth is sitting somewhere between $300 million and $350 million. He’s got the TB12 brand, his apparel line, and his ownership stakes.
What's Next for Brady?
If you're following the Brady trail, here is what you need to watch over the next few months:
- The 2026 NFL Draft: Watch how much influence Brady has on the Raiders' pick. If they move up or stay at #1, it’s his fingerprints on the roster.
- The Flag Football Tournament: March 21, 2026. This will be the first time we’ve seen him in "uniform" in years. It’ll be broadcast on Fox, naturally.
- The Super Bowl Booth: Since he’s the lead guy at Fox, he’ll be the voice calling the biggest game of the year.
Basically, Tom Brady doesn't "play" for anyone in the traditional sense. He's a owner, a talker, and a brand. But in his mind? He’s probably still playing against everyone.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking to see Brady "in action," don't wait for an NFL comeback—it's not happening. Instead, tune into Fox Sports' NFL Divisional and Championship coverage this month to see his evolution as an analyst. If you're a Raiders fan, keep an eye on the team's facility in Henderson; the "Brady Era" of management is officially in full swing as they hunt for their next franchise QB.