NFL fans prefer Panthers great Greg Olsen over Tom Brady as a commentator

The reviews are in for the greatest quarterback of all time's debut as an analyst, and fans want somebody else.

Tim Weaver | Sep 9, 2024

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 31: Former Miami Hurricanes and NFL tight end Greg Olsen looks on before the start of a game between the Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

Tom Brady might be the greatest quarterback and competitor in the history of the NFL. However, that doesn't necessarily qualify him to talk about it for a living. Yesterday Brady made his debut as a commentator/analyst on Fox for Week 1's slate. While Brady's knowledge of the game is beyond question, it's another thing entirely to translate that high football IQ into something the average fan can understand and enjoy.

The saddest part about Brady's transition to the booth is that it bumped a very capable commentator from Fox's top broadcast team. That would be former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, who has mastered the art of live TV analysis and surpassed even Tony Romo as the best at what he does.

Meanwhile, the early reviews for Brady's first Sunday in his new job are in, and they're not good. By most accounts Brady's analysis was bland and awkward, even bad enough that a bunch of NFL fans were calling for Olsen to get his old job back on social media. Here are a few examples from Twitter. (Some are NSFW).

I’ll say Tom Brady is absolutely dog shit and Fox should be ashamed of what they did to Greg Olsen
— Dave (@BringOutDaGongs) September 8, 2024

I’ve heard enough of Tom Brady, justice for Greg Olsen
— Molly (@FSUmollz) September 8, 2024

Greg Olsen scrolling on X right now pic.twitter.com/xcUV0jARIr
— Chris Alan (Special "Gotta Be Honest" out Oct 2) (@ChrisAlanComedy) September 8, 2024

Greg Olsen > Tom Brady by a long shot!
— Brad Panovich (@wxbrad) September 8, 2024

Think about this, Tom Brady was hired for a position with zero experience and he replaced a proven guy who worked his way up. Greg Olsen was awesome. The complete opposite of how it supposed to work in America.
— John Gavutta (@gavutaclan) September 8, 2024

Greg Olsen demoted to calling bad 1 p.m. games pic.twitter.com/lSNUOid6XX
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 8, 2024

Yall treated Greg Olsen too harshly pic.twitter.com/vELjbrQCIn
— 🦑 (@CBAS5S) September 8, 2024

Tom Brady is too smart and competitive to not become a good announcer soon enough. I'm not going to judge him too much after one game. But it really stunk that Greg Olsen was dropped a level through no fault of his own. Olsen's the finest color commentator in the NFL today.
— scott pianowski (@scott_pianowski) September 9, 2024

Tom Brady has the charisma of a dirty rag. Greg Olsen is 1000000% better than him. Shame on @NFLonFOX
— Tom FC (@fantasydonkey) September 8, 2024

Brady may eventually grow into his new gig and become good at this. However, he's never going to surpass Olsen for one very simple reason: he's not nearly as likeable. It takes some humility to recognize that fans don't tune in to listen to the guys talking over the game. Brady was an all-time great winner for many reasons, but being humble is not one of them.

On the other hand, Olsen understands that he's not the main character and he's able to explain what he knows in a relatable and entertaining way. In that department, having won seven Super Bowl rings is about as useful as a third arm.