More than a year into Tom Brady’s time as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the honeymoon phase appears to be over-and the reality setting in is far more complicated than the initial hype suggested.
On the field, the Raiders have taken a step back. But it’s what’s happening behind closed doors that’s raising eyebrows around the league. According to a recent report by The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the internal dynamics in Las Vegas are growing increasingly murky, and Brady’s influence-once seen as a potential game-changer-is now being met with skepticism, even from within the building.
Let’s start with the presence of Alex Guerrero. Raiders fans may recognize the name, but for those who don’t, Guerrero is Brady’s longtime personal trainer and business partner.
He’s now serving as the team’s wellness coordinator. But this isn’t just about massage tables and recovery protocols-Guerrero is reportedly Brady’s direct line into the Raiders’ day-to-day operations.
When Brady is on the Fox set or back in Florida with his kids, Guerrero is still in the building, acting as his proxy. That kind of setup doesn’t go unnoticed in an NFL locker room.
Brady himself has reportedly only been physically present at the facility a handful of times this season. But make no mistake-he’s involved.
According to the report, he’s in regular communication with Guerrero, team owner Mark Davis, general manager John Spytek, coaches, and players. In theory, that level of engagement from a minority owner could be a good thing.
But when it starts to blur the lines between influence and interference, it can create tension. And based on what’s being said internally, that tension is starting to surface.
One player and one staff member told Russini that the organization doesn’t appear to have a clear plan. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that brought in Brady expecting structure, leadership, and maybe even a little of that “Patriot Way” magic. Instead, it feels like the Raiders are being run remotely, with Brady pulling strings from afar and Guerrero serving as his boots on the ground.
The uncertainty at the top is also casting a shadow over head coach Pete Carroll’s future. While Carroll was brought in with fanfare and a reported three-year, $45 million contract back in January, his grip on the job seems increasingly shaky.
If the Raiders were to move on from him after just one season, the buyout could be massive-upwards of $30 million. But that hasn’t stopped the speculation.
The idea that Brady might be steering the ship from a distance-without physically being in the building-isn’t sitting well with everyone. Around the league, other teams were reportedly watching the Raiders’ ownership situation closely, wondering just how hands-on Brady would be.
Now, with Guerrero embedded in the facility and Brady still actively involved despite his broadcasting commitments, it’s becoming clear that this isn’t a ceremonial ownership role. He’s trying to shape the culture, the direction, and potentially even the personnel decisions of the franchise.
That kind of involvement from a minority owner is rare. And while Brady’s football IQ and leadership credentials are unquestioned, the transition from quarterback to executive is no small leap. The early returns in Las Vegas suggest that the adjustment period is ongoing-and it’s far from smooth.
The Raiders didn’t just bring in Brady for his name or résumé. They brought him in hoping he could help instill a winning culture. But as the team struggles on the field and the internal structure grows more complex, the question becomes whether Brady’s presence is helping stabilize the franchise-or adding to the chaos.
For now, the Raiders are a team searching for identity, direction, and consistency. And as the season winds down, all eyes will be on how much influence Brady and his inner circle truly have-and what that means for the future of the franchise.