FOX NFL analyst Greg Olsen has not minced words when it comes to his goals in sports media and broadcasting. The former NFL tight end has made no secret about his desire to get back to being on the number one team calling NFL games for FOX after being demoted to the number two team when FOX Sports hired Tom Brady.
Olsen joined Pardon My Take on Friday and was complimented on how he’s handled the situation by Dan “Big Cat” Katz, who referenced Olsen’s move from the top team to the number two. Subsequently, Olsen talked about a notion where there could be some personal feelings mixed in with his professional aspirations.
“I always make sure I’m very clear where my personal aspirations to continue to ascend in this industry, and to get back to calling those games are completely independent,” said Olsen. “There’s this idea that there’s personal animosity and competition. There’s not. My relationship with Tom (Brady), FOX, Joe Davis, (Kevin) Burkhart, and all and all my people at FOX couldn’t be better. On the other parallel line to that; yes, I want to ascend in the industry.”
Furthermore, Olsen mentioned how he and Brady have spent a lot of personal time together since he arrived at FOX, including everything from phone calls to a trip to the Bahamas as a retreat.
“I’ve been very adamant about where I stand, and it doesn’t always come through the headlines,” said Olsen about his comments regarding his desire to call the top games.
In addition, Olsen has made it known he’s attempted to give Brady advice when it comes to adapting from player to broadcaster. In speaking with Barrett Media last year, Olsen discussed Brady and the first conversations they had over the 2024 offseason.
“The respect I had for him on the field goes without saying, but getting to know him off the field – getting to know him at the seminars; spending time with him on the phone; just kind of shooting the sh*t a little bit about what to expect on the job, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him, so that’s been a fun experience,” said Olsen in August to Barrett Media.
Moreover, with Olsen’s demotion came a significant pay cut which lowered his salary from $10 million to $3 million, according to The New York Post. Olsen reportedly has two years remaining on his contract with FOX Sports.
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