Chris “Mad Dog” Russo isn’t buying FOX Sports’ pitch for Sunday’s Packers-Patriots late afternoon contest. In fact, the network’s Brady-centered promotion left him stunned.
What We Know: FOX Sports is airing this weekend’ Green Bay at New England game Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET. Notably, it marks Tom Brady’s first broadcast at Gillette Stadium since joining the NFL on FOX team. Meanwhile, FOX built its weeklong promotion around his return to Foxborough instead of the game itself. Russo, appearing on ESPN’s First Take, took issue with the direction of promotion and how it’s overshadowing the game itself.
What They Said: (All quotes via First Take):
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo doesn’t understand why FOX Sports is promoting Tom Brady over the Packers-Patriots hype: “They promoted their game this week that Tom Brady is going back to Foxborough to call the game against the Packers and the Patriots. Number one, he played there as a [Tampa Bay] Buccaneers. The idea that this is a big deal that Tom’s in the booth. He’s doing a game, and that’s a good game. 4:25pm on Sunday afternoon. FOX’s promotion all week is the fact that Tom Brady’s going back to Foxborough? This is going to be fun. Who the hell cares? I don’t care. Call the game on the moon. This is the dumbest thing in the world.”
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo says this concept isn’t on Tom Brady: “It’s not Tom’s [Brady] fault. He didn’t ask for this. How is Fox thinking that we’re going to promote Jordan Love, Drake May. Packers, Patriots. 4:25pm Sunday afternoon. We’re going to tell the country to make sure you watch because Tom’s calling the game. He’s not going down on the field. The Patriots fans could care less. They don’t know Tom Brady is because they got Drake Maye at quarterback. And they’re half in the bag when they go in the game at 4:25pm. He’s in a secluded booth with the windows closed. I was absolutely shocked.”
What Remains Unclear: However, it remains unclear whether FOX will respond to Russo’s criticism. Likewise, nobody knows whether the Brady storyline will actually boost Sunday’s ratings. It should also be noted that fellow NFL on FOX commentator Rob Gronkowski will also be in attendance at the game as he’s inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
What It Means: Ultimately, Russo’s rant adds some flavor to the discussion of Brady’s return to Foxborough. It will lead to an interesting opportunity to hear how critical Brady can be of his former team. Whether or not FOX flips their approach to promoting the broadcast will likely not occur following Russo’s words. However, this isn’t Brady’s first return since leaving New England. Moreover, he did play there as a member of the Buccaneers. Also, he’s been inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.
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