By 5 GOATs,Nick Schultz

Copyright yardbarker

After Monday Night Football cameras captured him in the Las Vegas Raiders coaches’ box donning a headset, questions have risen again about whether Tom Brady’s work with FOX presents a conflict of interest. Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson defended him, though, and Brady reacted.

Johnson made it clear he doesn’t say much more than “coach-speak” both with reporters and during production meetings. That’s why he’s not worried about the fact Brady will be calling Sunday’s game between the Bears and Dallas Cowboys, one week before Chicago takes on the Raiders.

After seeing Johnson’s comments, Brady responded by commenting on a Sports Illustrated Instagram post. He appeared to take a shot at some NFL coaches with his response, as well.

“Thank you for some common sense!” Brady wrote in the comment Wednesday afternoon. “Finally a smart coach speaks up!”

Brady is in his second season with FOX and joined the Raiders as a minority owner last year. Throughout the 2024 season, the “Brady Rules” were reportedly in effect, restricting the legendary quarterback’s access to teams considering his role with Las Vegas. However, he received more access this year and is able to attend production meetings remotely.

Still, despite the perceived conflict of interest, Johnson said he’s not worrying much about any conversations with Brady. He’s taking the same approach he has all year, in his words: sticking to coach-speak.

“I’ve been careful with everything I’ve said since the season started,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday. “I’ve been in pure coach-speak mode since the season season started. To me, it’s just business as usual. I’m just fine. I like Tom, and we have a really good relationship.”

NFL says Tom Brady can be in coaches’ box

After the video of Tom Brady in the Raiders’ coaching box made its way across social media, the NFL released a statement. Spokesperson Brian McCarthy said he can be in the coaches’ box because of his role as a minority owner and is also abiding by the restrictions ahead of broadcasts.

“There are no policies that prohibit an owner from sitting in the coaches’ booth or wearing a headset during a game,” McCarthy said. “Brady was sitting in the booth in his capacity as a limited partner. All personnel sitting in the booth must abide by policies that prohibit the use of electronic devices other than league-issued equipment such as a Microsoft Surface Tablet for the Sideline Viewing System.

“Tom continues to be prohibited from going to a team facility for practices or production meetings. He may attend production meetings remotely but may not attend in person at the team facility or hotel. He may also conduct an interview off site with a player like he did last year a couple times, including for the Super Bowl. Of course, as with any production meeting with broadcast teams, it’s up to the club, coach or players to determine what they say in those sessions.”