Tom Brady is shaping his second career by studying what works on television, and he has pointed to Shaquille O’Neal‘s long-running success as a defining example of how athletes can thrive in modern sports broadcasting roles.

As the NFL legend continues his tenure as a Fox Sports color analyst, he has faced vocal criticism from football fans, yet he remains focused on developing an authentic on-air identity rather than chasing immediate approval from skeptical viewers.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion believes O’Neal‘s transition from NBA dominance to media relevance offers a clear roadmap for former players seeking longevity beyond the field and sustained influence in national sports conversations.

Brady recently shared his admiration directly with O’Neal, crediting the former Lakers star for reshaping studio culture through chemistry, humor, and credibility across multiple networks and evolving formats over the past decade.

“You’ve been a pioneer on your show for, I think what everybody tries to emulate,” Brady said via The Big Podcast With Shaq. “It was on TNT, now it’s on ESPN. And you guys break the mold. Because everyone tries to have that camaraderie and chemistry. And I always feel like people want fun and you bring fun everywhere you go.”

Brady’s comments arrive as he balances scrutiny over his $375 million, 10-year Fox contract with praise from peers, including Shaq, who publicly applauded his preparation and willingness to grow into the role.

Despite that support, his debut season was not as smooth as he hoped, as critics questioned his comfort level in the booth and whether elite playing careers always translate cleanly into broadcast excellence.

Tom Brady claims he can still compete in the NFL

Beyond broadcasting, Brady has also reignited discussion about his physical conditioning, confidently stating that retirement has not erased his belief in his ability to compete at the sport’s highest level.

Brady said on The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal that he could still “whoop a**” with roughly a month of preparation, framing the claim as confidence rather than a comeback tease.

According to People, the former New England Patriots quarterback clarified that the statement reflected his disciplined conditioning and experience, not a genuine desire to endure the physical grind and mental demands of a full NFL season.

He officially retired for the second time in February 2023, though he later revealed that at least one franchise tested his resolve shortly after his final season concluded.

“Yes, when I retired the second time, there was a team that reached out,” Brady said on Wednesday, via “NFL on Fox.” “It was actually a little bit intriguing. But at that time, I was pretty certain that I was done-done.”

His career spanned 23 seasons and seven Super Bowl titles, including six with New England and one with Tampa Bay, where he won a championship in his first season with the Buccaneers.

Now serving as Fox‘s lead NFL analyst and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady acknowledged that the league’s relentless schedule no longer aligns with his personal priorities or lifestyle.