Tom Brady wasn't always present, but Pete Carroll says his impact at Raiders was too big to ignore

Tom Brady might not be suiting up on Sundays anymore, but his competitive fire is still shaping the NFL—this time, behind the scenes with the Las Vegas Raiders . When the legendary quarterback acquired a minority stake in the franchise last fall, few could predict how pivotal that move would be in reshaping the team’s culture and future. But fast-forward to now, and it’s clear: Brady’s presence played a central role in convincing Pete Carroll to take the reins as head coach.

Why Pete Carroll chose the Raiders: Tom Brady’s behind-the-scenes role played a crucial part

The Raiders haven’t exactly been the model of consistency in recent years. After a lackluster 4-13 season, with no franchise quarterback and a roster full of holes, the job wasn’t one that most veteran coaches would have jumped at. But Brady’s involvement changed everything for Carroll.


“When Tom came on board here, it changed my outlook to come here,” Carroll admitted during his appearance on Brock & Salk. “I thought that would be one of the great opportunities of all time, to have his presence... We’re trying to infuse Tom’s mentality. We’re trying to bring it into the organization because it’s so good, so unique, so one of a kind.”

That “one of a kind” mentality has always been the foundation of Brady’s unparalleled success in the NFL. Carroll, who’s long admired Brady’s approach to life and competition, sees tremendous value in translating that mindset into every layer of the Raiders franchise—from the front office to the locker room.

Though Brady doesn’t frequent the team facilities, his influence is felt strongly. Carroll revealed that he and Brady are in “pretty regular” communication, often diving deep into philosophical conversations about leadership, mindset, and what it takes to win.

“We’re phone buddies,” Carroll shared. “Talking philosophy with Tom, you can imagine what a thrill it is. He’s the all-time competitor. It’s not just how he played, it’s how he lives and how he sees the world and attacks every opportunity that he has. We’re so eye-to-eye on that, it’s been a blast.”

Having former Michigan teammate John Spytek now serving as general manager only adds another layer of synergy. Spytek’s long-standing connection with Brady, and his high regard for him, has helped form a strong leadership triangle between ownership, coaching, and front office—something the Raiders haven’t had in decades.

While the path to postseason success won’t be instant, Las Vegas appears to be finally building a stable foundation. With Carroll’s experience, Spytek’s strategic insights, and Brady’s championship DNA guiding the organization, there’s a legitimate belief that the Raiders could soon rise from mediocrity.

The addition of players like quarterback Geno Smith and rising star Ashton Jeanty only adds to the sense of momentum heading into the season. But it’s clear that the biggest asset isn’t just a player or a coach—it’s the mentality instilled by one of football’s most iconic figures.

In Brady, the Raiders didn’t just gain a minority owner. They gained a blueprint for greatness. And with Carroll at the helm, that blueprint is finally being put to use.

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