Will part owner really be a difference maker?
It seems the Las Vegas Raiders are in a never-ending search for someone to lead the organization out of the abyss.
That’s where they are at now amid another disappointing season.
Who is up next as the guy who can save the franchise? Apparently, it’s the GOAT.
Last month, of course, the long-awaited Tom Brady-Raiders marriage was finalized when the NFL approved that he is a now a part owner of the team. The legendary quarterback and his business partner now own 10 percent of the team.
The Raiders have other minority owners, but, of course, none are as high-profile as Brady. So, it’s expected that he will have a bigger role at some point than the typical low-stakes owner.
There has been a lot of media reports that state Brady will have a big role in helping shape the Raiders’ future direction at some point in the future. For now, though, it seems Brady will be more of a consultant in the offseason, helping owner Mark Davis in roles such as coaching and front office decision and personnel moves in free agency and in the draft. He will also be a recruiter in free agency.
There has been speculation that Brady can take a bigger role in the future.
That has excited a lot of people and it’s understandable. He’s one of the most accomplished people in the history of professional team sports.
So, it’s easy to be swayed and romanced by the idea of Brady one day being the primary football decision maker for the Raiders. However, there is a big question hovering over that notion: Would Brady be good at it if he even wants to do it?
Other great athletes have taken on top-of-the-franchise roles and failed. Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan come to mind. Being an all-time great quarterback is a completely different animal to being an elite administrator.
Look, I’m not doubting Brady or saying he will fail if he is the leader of the team. I’m just saying it’s a complicated, nuanced and time-consuming role and success isn’t be guaranteed for anyone.
I think Brady can serve the Raiders well, but in the end, if it comes with no greater responsibility than being a trusted consultant and a great face of the franchise and an a positive ambassador for the organization, that’s perfectly fine.
Thus, it probably makes sense to lower expectations for the future and let things progress naturally for Brady and the franchise without pressure of him being the GOAT team owner.