Though Tom Brady hasn’t been a regular presence at the Las Vegas Raiders’ facility, his influence on the franchise is anything but distant. According to head coach Pete Carroll, the legendary quarterback — now a minority owner — is playing a meaningful role in shaping the team’s culture and competitive philosophy.
“We’re phone buddies,” Carroll said during an appearance on Brock & Salk. “He hasn’t been out here but one time since we’ve been here, but we’ve talked a ton of times. And talking philosophy with Tom — you can imagine what a thrill it is because he’s the all-time competitor.”
Brady’s ownership stake, finalized last year, was a major draw for Carroll, who joined the Raiders after his long tenure with the Seahawks. The opportunity to collaborate with someone he describes as a kindred spirit was too compelling to pass up.
Tom Brady’s Influence on Las Vegas Raiders Runs Deep, Even from Afar
“It’s not just how he played, it’s how he lived, and how he sees the world, and how he attacks every opportunity he has,” Carroll continued. “We’re so eye to eye on that — it’s been a blast. It’s really been fun. The challenge of it is to bring that mentality and connect it to our entire franchise.”
Carroll wasn’t the only one excited about Brady’s involvement. General Manager John Spytek, who was Brady’s teammate at the University of Michigan, also embraced the chance to work with him again—this time from the executive level.
“When Tom came on board here, it changed my outlook to come here,” Carroll admitted. “I thought that would be one of the great opportunities of all time — to have his presence. His presence is strong. John Spytek and him go back a ton of years and Johnny holds him in the highest regard.”
Together, Carroll and Spytek are working to embed Brady’s mindset into the DNA of the franchise.
“We’re trying to infuse Tom’s mentality, we’re trying to bring it into the organization,” Carroll said. “Because it’s so good and so unique and so one of a kind, I think it helps us to be a one-of-a-kind franchise.”