Tom Brady and JJ Watt are both aiming for football promotion glory, and Watt hopes to avoid him.

In the world of professional football, few names resonate as powerfully as Tom Brady and J.J. Watt. Both have etched their legacies into the history books, redefining their respective positions and setting new standards for excellence. Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, and Watt, a dominant force on the defensive line, have enjoyed storied careers in the NFL. As their playing days wind down, both have turned their sights on new challenges, with an eye toward promotion within the football world. However, despite their shared aspirations for continued glory, there is one person Watt is hoping to avoid in this next chapter of his career—Tom Brady.
This article explores the evolving careers of these two legends, their plans for post-retirement success, and the intriguing competition that could unfold as both men aim for higher-profile roles in the football world. What does the future hold for Brady and Watt? Can they avoid the competition that could arise between them, or is the lure of football promotion too strong to resist?
Tom Brady: From Quarterback to Owner?
Tom Brady’s transition from an NFL player to a potential owner, executive, or ambassador within the football world has been nothing short of seamless. After retiring for the second time from the NFL following the 2022 season, Brady wasted no time in exploring new opportunities. While many fans assumed he would enter broadcasting or coaching, Brady has shown a keen interest in owning a team, and this move has sparked significant conversations in the football world.
Brady’s Post-Retirement Path
Brady’s first major post-retirement venture was his involvement with the NFL media. He signed a lucrative deal with Fox Sports in 2022 to become the lead analyst for the network’s NFL broadcasts. Though Brady has yet to make his debut in this role, the mere fact that he is moving into the media space shows his commitment to remaining closely tied to the NFL. But Brady’s ambitions are far larger than just media stardom. The seven-time Super Bowl champion has made it clear that he’s looking to have a long-term influence on the game, and what better way to do that than by owning a franchise?
In 2023, Brady made headlines when he became a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. His involvement in the Raiders organization is widely viewed as a stepping stone toward a larger role in the ownership circle. With his vast financial resources, global brand recognition, and unmatched football knowledge, Brady is a prime candidate for a more significant ownership role, whether it’s as the majority owner of a new team or as part of an ownership group.
Why Ownership?
Brady’s desire to become an owner stems from a few factors. First, as someone who has played at the highest level of the NFL for over two decades, he understands the intricate workings of the league like few others. Brady has been involved in every aspect of the game, from the most crucial plays on the field to the negotiations off the field. His experience gives him a unique perspective that could translate well into ownership.
Secondly, ownership offers Brady the ability to influence the game beyond what he can achieve as a broadcaster or analyst. As an owner, he would have a say in the strategic direction of a franchise, including hiring decisions, roster construction, and community engagement. Additionally, being involved in ownership would allow Brady to remain in the spotlight and continue to shape the future of the sport, even without the physical demands of playing.
Tom Brady’s Influence on Football Promotion
Brady’s influence extends far beyond his playing career. He has become synonymous with success and perseverance. If Brady were to achieve a more prominent role in the NFL, whether as an owner or in an executive position, it would signal a new era for the league. His work ethic, competitive spirit, and global appeal make him a figure who could potentially reshape the NFL in his image. Brady’s transition from player to owner would undoubtedly be a defining moment in NFL history, but there is another looming factor—competition. This is where J.J. Watt comes in.
J.J. Watt: A New Chapter in Football
J.J. Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, is in a similar position to Brady when it comes to transitioning into a post-playing career. Watt retired after the 2022 NFL season, leaving behind a legacy as one of the best defensive players to ever play the game. However, like Brady, Watt is not content with merely fading into the background after retirement. Instead, he is positioning himself for a major role in the football world’s future.
Watt’s Post-Retirement Plans
Watt has already made strides in carving out a post-retirement career, particularly in the world of sports media and football promotion. Much like Brady, Watt has signed on with media outlets, becoming a prominent figure in NFL commentary and analysis. However, Watt’s ambitions do not end with broadcasting. He has expressed interest in ownership and executive positions, positioning himself as a key player in football’s future.
In 2023, Watt made his first foray into the ownership world when he became involved with the ownership group of the new XFL team, the Houston Roughnecks. This partnership with the XFL allowed Watt to familiarize himself with the business side of football while still remaining connected to the sport he loves. But Watt’s aspirations likely go beyond the XFL.
The Power of J.J. Watt’s Brand
Watt’s brand is built around strength, leadership, and community involvement. He is widely respected for his charitable endeavors, including his work with the J.J. Watt Foundation, which supports underprivileged children. His off-the-field persona has earned him admiration from fans and colleagues alike, which bodes well for his future in football promotion. In fact, his leadership and influence could make him a perfect candidate for a larger role within the NFL, such as team ownership or an executive position.
What sets Watt apart is his reputation as a player who was consistently dominant in his position. As an NFL executive or owner, Watt’s understanding of defensive strategy, player development, and the intricacies of the game could provide invaluable insight. He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and that could translate well into decision-making roles in the future.
Avoiding Brady: A Friendly Rivalry?
Despite both Brady and Watt aiming for similar post-retirement football promotion opportunities, Watt has made it clear that he hopes to avoid competing directly with Brady in certain areas. The key area of competition between them is NFL ownership, as both men are interested in being a part of the league’s future in a significant way. However, Watt has expressed that he hopes to pursue ownership opportunities in markets that are distinct from Brady’s.
Watt’s desire to avoid Brady may be driven by the respect both men have for each other’s legacies, but also by the sheer magnitude of Brady’s presence in the football world. Brady, with his seven Super Bowl rings, international fame, and financial power, may appear as a daunting figure in the world of NFL ownership. For Watt, carving out his own legacy as a team owner or executive in a different market could allow him to flourish without being overshadowed by Brady’s enormous shadow.
Moreover, while both men are exploring similar avenues for promotion, they have vastly different career trajectories and personas. Brady is a quarterback whose success is intertwined with leadership, clutch performances, and the ability to control the game from the pocket. Watt, on the other hand, is a defensive player whose dominance was rooted in his physicality, relentless pursuit of the quarterback, and his ability to alter the course of games with his raw power. These differences in playing style and impact on the field may influence how each man approaches their post-retirement career and the roles they seek.
The Future of Football Promotion
As both Tom Brady and J.J. Watt transition into new roles within the football world, their influence will undoubtedly shape the future of the game. Brady’s potential move toward ownership and executive positions, coupled with Watt’s emerging presence in the sports media and business world, suggests that these two legends are not done impacting the game they helped elevate to new heights.
While Watt may hope to avoid Brady in certain areas of football promotion, it’s clear that both men have the drive, knowledge, and experience to succeed in whatever ventures they choose. Whether they end up competing in the same markets or carving out distinct roles within the sport, there’s no doubt that Tom Brady and J.J. Watt will continue to influence the football world for years to come.
As their careers evolve, it will be fascinating to watch how these two giants of the game adapt to life after football. Whether it’s Brady making waves as an NFL owner or Watt reshaping the sport’s media landscape, their legacy will remain inextricably tied to the game that made them household names. And while competition between them may exist, both will undoubtedly thrive in their respective pursuits of football promotion glory.