The legendary quarterback believes that the game has become less complex and that rookies are being forced to play too soon, hindering their development.
Tom Brady is set to embark on his new broadcasting role for the NFL this year, and he has candidly shared his thoughts on how the game has negatively evolved in recent times. Speaking at Fanatics Fest over the weekend, Brady expressed his concerns about the state of both college and professional football, claiming that the game has become "dumbed down" and that rookies are being prematurely thrust into action.
Tom Brady Criticizes State of Football: 'It's Been Dumbed Down'
Brady specifically targeted the changes in college football programs, noting that they have transitioned from teaching players a comprehensive system to merely focusing on playbooks. He emphasized the importance of development and the gradual process of learning the intricacies of the game before being expected to perform at a high level.
"There used to be college programs," Brady remarked. "Now, there are college teams. You're no longer learning a program; you're learning a playbook."
Tom Brady Criticizes State of Football: 'It's Been Dumbed Down'
The 45-year-old quarterback pointed to his own experience at Michigan, where he spent five years honing his craft as a drop-back passer and learning to read defenses. He contrasted this with the current trend of rookies being forced to play immediately after entering the NFL.
"I think it's just a tragedy that we're forcing these [NFL] rookies to play early," Brady lamented.
Tom Brady Criticizes State of Football: 'It's Been Dumbed Down'
College football has indeed been a subject of controversy lately, with NIL deals and the transfer portal allowing student-athletes to move between schools with ease. Brady believes that this lack of stability and long-term development is having a negative impact on the game.
"The reality is the only reason why [rookies] are [playing right away] is because we dumbed the game down," Brady asserted. "It used to be thought of at a higher level."
Brady acknowledged that the game has changed significantly since he entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick by the Patriots in 2000. He emphasized the importance of offseason training and camp work in building a strong foundation and preparing players for success.
"We used to spend hours and hours in the offseason, in training camp trying to be a little bit better the next year," Brady recalled. "But I think what happens is it discourages the coaches from going to deep levels because they realize the players don't have the opportunity to go to a deep level."
Brady's criticisms offer a glimpse into the candor that he is likely to bring to his new role as a commentator for Fox alongside Kevin Burkhardt. His insights into offenses, defenses, and the complexities of the game are highly anticipated by NFL fans.
By sharing his perspectives on the evolution of football, Brady has sparked a conversation about the challenges facing the sport and the potential impact on the development of young players. As he enters his rookie broadcasting season, he will undoubtedly provide additional revealing and thought-provoking commentary on the game he loves.
