Tom Brady Kicks Off 2025 NFL Season Calling Giants-Commanders Showdown

Tom Brady’s Statue Unveiled, But His Week 1 Gig Has Giants Fans Talking

Even with a shiny new statue now standing tall in Foxborough, Tom Brady still finds himself circling back to one of his more complicated football connections — the New York Giants. Yes, the same franchise that twice blocked him from hoisting another Lombardi Trophy.

This week, the NFL legend might not be suiting up, but he’ll still be front and center when Big Blue takes the field. Brady is kicking off the 2025 season in the broadcast booth, and not just for any game — we’re talking about the Giants taking on the Washington Commanders in a high-energy NFC East clash in Landover.

Why FOX Is Sending the A-Team Right Out of the Gate

FOX isn’t holding back for Week 1. They’re rolling out their No. 1 NFL crew — and that means Brady, his play-by-play partner Kevin Burkhardt, and sideline stars Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi are all making the trip. It’s a strong statement by the network: this game is going to be worth your Sunday afternoon.

• The matchup: Giants vs. Commanders

• The storyline: Jayden Daniels, the young and electric QB for Washington, going toe-to-toe with a Giants squad looking to make an early statement

• The backdrop: Washington came within one game of the Super Bowl last season, while the Giants are aiming to retool and make noise in the NFC East

This isn’t just about calling a football game — it’s FOX’s way of getting an early read on two teams that could shake up the playoff picture.

From Foxborough Glory to NFC East Rivalries

Brady’s week started with a career-defining moment — the Patriots unveiling a statue in his honor, cementing his place as the face of their dynasty. But football history is never clean-cut, and Brady’s story has chapters that go far beyond New England.

The Giants, for instance, have always been a sore spot. Ask any Brady fan and they’ll tell you: those two Super Bowl losses to Eli Manning and company still sting. While Brady’s career was defined by dominance, those games proved even legends can bleed.

The Giants-Jets-Brady Triangle

Brady’s relationship with New York fans is a tale of two teams. Against the Giants? Respect mixed with painful memories. Against the Jets? Well, that’s a whole different story.

In 37 games versus the Jets, Brady walked off the field victorious 30 times. Thirty. That’s nearly a decade of regular humiliation for Gang Green. It’s no wonder Jets fans have spent years viewing him as public enemy No. 1.

Meanwhile, Giants fans don’t exactly like Brady, but they don’t hate him in the same way. They’re the ones who knocked him off his throne twice, so there’s a certain smug satisfaction whenever his name comes up.

Week 2: Another Heavyweight Matchup

Brady’s season-opening assignment isn’t the only marquee game he’s calling early this year. FOX is wasting no time putting him in the middle of headline matchups. In Week 2, he and Burkhardt head to Kansas City for a Super Bowl rematch — the Eagles versus the Chiefs.

That’s back-to-back weeks of playoff-caliber showdowns for the broadcasting rookie. It’s a trial by fire, but let’s be honest — if anyone’s used to high-pressure football situations, it’s Tom Brady.

Broadcasting Isn’t Just Reading Plays — It’s Storytelling

While some ex-players step into the booth and sound like they’re just reading from the playbook, Brady’s gig at FOX is all about giving fans those behind-the-scenes nuggets only he can provide.

• Insider QB perspective — Breaking down why a quarterback made a certain read or audible

• Game management insights — Talking clock control, sideline dynamics, and momentum swings

• Matchup awareness — Pointing out small details casual fans might miss, like how a cornerback is shading a receiver or why a certain blitz package works against a particular offensive line

FOX pairing him with Burkhardt — one of the smoothest play-by-play guys in the business — means the broadcast should feel like a conversation instead of a lecture. And with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi adding sideline flavor, it’s a well-rounded team built for prime matchups.

Why This Game Matters More Than People Think

Sure, it’s only Week 1, but Giants-Commanders is already loaded with intrigue:

1. Jayden Daniels’ sophomore surge — After a breakout rookie year, can he take Washington all the way this time?

2. The Giants’ redemption arc — New coaching tweaks, new roster pieces, and a desperate need to start strong after last year’s ups and downs.

3. Divisional stakes — NFC East games are always intense, and an early win here can be the difference between chasing a playoff spot and controlling your own destiny.

And then there’s the unspoken subplot — Brady, a Patriots icon, calling a Giants game. It’s not exactly his home turf, but that’s what makes it interesting.

Brady’s Perspective on NFC East Football

Let’s not forget, Brady spent two decades in the AFC East, battling the Jets and watching the Giants from afar. He’s faced NFC East teams in some of the biggest games of his career. His insight on this division is more layered than most analysts can provide.

When you’ve been on the receiving end of both heartbreak and dominance against these teams, you see them through a different lens. Expect Brady to bring that context to the broadcast — maybe even dropping a few subtle jabs at old rivals.

From Statue to Spotlight

The contrast is almost cinematic — days after his bronze likeness is unveiled in New England, Brady is in the middle of a heated NFC East rivalry game. It’s a reminder that while statues are about the past, the booth is about staying part of the game’s present and future.

Brady’s not the type to quietly fade into retirement. Whether it’s calling games, building his TB12 brand, or casually popping up at big NFL moments, he’s staying connected to the sport that defined him.

Final Take: This Broadcast Could Set the Tone

If FOX is betting big on sending Brady to this matchup, it’s because they believe the game — and the analyst — can deliver. Between the Commanders’ rising star QB, the Giants’ need for a fast start, and the Brady factor, this Week 1 showdown could feel more like a playoff game than a season opener.

And for Brady? It’s a perfect way to start his first full season as FOX’s lead analyst — calling a game with history, rivalry, and just a little personal edge.