Tom Brady put his best broadcast on-air last weekend in his role of analyst; He can be really good!

This past weekend produced the opening round.

An excellent performance by Tom Brady

First, had Tom Brady joined Fox with Al Michaels, the duo would coalesce immediately. The Super Bowl super star spoke softly and with a humorous quip from time-to-time and allowing partner Kevin Burkhardt to do his job too. Brady’s football erudition, humor, ease of contribution made him a better analyst. During this championship series and the thickening road through the doubleheaders, Tom’s rumors about coaches and voices will linger. Speculation is beginning to surface that Brady might look at a major role in an executive capacity or options to buy into NFL franchises.

Jim Gray and LeBron James announcing his choice of Miami

I’m often puzzled by Gray’s association with Tom Brady, who who just can’t help himself from annoying others. He’s 65, colorful, but often abrasive.

ABC News wrote of him, “Sports fans have watched Gray since the 1980s at ESPN, CBS, NBC and Showtime. He manages to stay calm amid mayhem, even in a boxing ring interviewing the legendary fighter Mike Tyson after the boxer (literally) bit off his rival Evander Holyfield’s ear.”

Do you think the NFL wants Gray around?

What annoyed Americans occurred on July 8, 2010. Gray convinced LeBron James to give him exclusive rights to announce where he would play next. James and Gray stung his hometown Cleveland. James did so, stinging  his hometown team. When he revealed his 2010 decision to sign with the Miami Heat as a free agent on a live ESPN show, the special was stamped The Decision.

Just a few years ago, Westwood One didn’t renew Gray.

For those who might have forgotten, LeBron James became a free agent in 2010 leaving his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers’ fans dispirited. He then went through a prolonged and agonizing period of deliberation before announcing his plans in a pre-planned primetime show on ESPN. The whole production turned into a regrettable fiasco after which LeBron himself said, “If I had to go back on it, I probably would do it a little bit different.” The show on a summer night, did an eyepopping rating.

The show aired at 9 pm on July 8, 2010. Gray opened the ballyhooed program and presided over an eternity which struck many as no more than an infomercial for LeBron’s resume. With millions watching, Gray painfully interacted with LeBron until 9:28, at which point he finally posed the big question to LeBron. James then famously answered, “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.”

In early 2010, my top-50 of all-time network television broadcasters appeared on Yahoo Sports. I included Gray at number #49. Jim’s not the most popular of broadcasters, either among his own peers and viewers. He was also on network radio, Westwood One because he brought paid sponsor dollars with him.

Still, in early 2010, he was one of the few sideliners who wasn’t afraid to pose bold questions. But The Decision demonstrated to many that he’s self-serving and that his own decisions are myopic and misguided.

Not to say that’s Gray is incapable of landing headline interview. He is. But as an inaugural model, I doubt it. 

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On Cris Collinsworth, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Game:

“Cris is among the best to ever work as an analyst on any sport,” says NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus. He has a truckload of Emmys for his work, but he also happens to be a great friend to many — a giving person who belongs in any Hall of Fame. His inclusion in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame is long overdue.

He grew up in Ohio and just like Dick Enberg, he always utters every comment with joy. For many years, Cris and Andy Furman partnered on sports-talk shows over WLW, a 50,000 watt AM giant.