Full Breakdown
Tom Brady Calls Out Las Vegas Raiders After Disastrous 2025 Season, Demands Massive Improvement in 2026
6/29/2026, 3:07:00 PM
Brady’s 2025 Season Critique
Minority owner Tom Brady used the Stick to Football podcast to denounce the Raiders’ 3-14 record, blaming “everybody” for significant underperforming and saying no player or staff met the organization’s standards.
Background & Context
The Raiders entered 2025 with Brady as a minority owner and Fox analyst. After a historically poor season, they secured the No. 1 overall pick, selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and began a roster overhaul.
Data & Statistics
- 2025 record: 3-14.
- No. 1 overall pick: QB Fernando Mendoza.
- Free-agency signings: center Tyler Linderbaum and several defensive players.
- Coaching change: Pete Carroll replaced by Klint Kubiak.
Offseason Timeline
- End of 2025: 3-14 season concludes.
- Jan 2026: Pete Carroll dismissed; Klint Kubiak hired.
- Apr 2026: Draft – Raiders select Fernando Mendoza first overall.
- May–Jul 2026: Signings, including Tyler Linderbaum.
- Summer 2026: Pre-season prep for the new campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
Brady emphasized that improvement must start with leadership and filter down to players, clearly insisting on daily and hourly progress for a “good team.” The Raiders have not issued a formal public response.
Criticism & Opposition
Defensive end Maxx Crosby and rookie tight end Brock Bowers were noted as possible dissenters, implying they may reject Brady’s blanket blame. Observers also point out that Brady’s primary role as a Fox commentator limits his direct influence on team decisions.
Why It Matters
The criticism raises expectations for a franchise that missed the playoffs and holds the top draft pick. Stakeholder pressure will test the new coaching staff and rookie quarterback, affecting ticket sales, sponsorships, and long-term competitiveness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources give no specific win target for 2026 and no official Raiders statement. The exact identities of the “defensive signings” remain unspecified, leaving the full roster impact unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would expect a lot of improvement from where it's been,” — Tom Brady, Minority Owner, Las Vegas Raiders (Stick to Football podcast)
- “Last year, we just underperformed in every area. And it's everybody's fault. That's the reality. There's nobody who did a good job. There's not one player in the organization, there's not anybody involved that did the job to the level that it needs to be done at,” — Tom Brady
- “Last year, we just underperformed in every area. And it's everybody's fault. That's the reality. There's nobody who did a good job. There's not one player in the organization, there's not anybody involved that did the job to the level that it needs to be done at. And everybody needs to improve. And it starts with me, and it filters down to the rest of the players on the field, and they've got to go out there, and ultimately they've got to perform at a high level.” — Tom Brady
- “A massive improvement. And I would expect daily improvement, and I'd expect hourly improvement. I really would,” — Tom Brady
What’s Next
The Raiders will debut Klint Kubiak’s system and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in 2026. Observers will watch for the “massive improvement” Brady demanded, tracking performance throughout the season.
