The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers have a natural rivalry as members of the NFC South. While the tension between the Bucs and Panthers may not yet match the intensity of the Bucs’ rivalries with the Falcons and Saints, the two teams often clash as they vie for the division title.
Last season, the connection between the franchises grew even deeper when Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Dave Canales departed to become the Panthers’ head coach. However, there’s another tie between the two organizations rooted in broadcasting.
After Tom Brady retired from the NFL, he signed a 10-year deal with FOX Sports to become their top color commentator on Sundays. This deal was seen as a major win for both Brady and FOX. For Greg Olsen, the former Panthers star and FOX broadcaster, the news was a gut punch, as Brady was set to replace him in the network’s top broadcasting team.
Now, with Brady slated to call the biggest football game in the world, the Super Bowl, Olsen sat down with The Athletic’s Joseph Person to share his feelings about the situation.
“I don’t think resentment’s probably accurate. But I also think it’s not too far off, if I’m being honest,” Olsen said. “I don’t have any ill will — there’s no personal resentment towards Tom, or obviously K.B. (Kevin Burkhardt) and Erin (Andrews). I still talk to all of them fairly regularly. I’m hoping to see them next week down in New Orleans and grab dinner or a drink and just kind of shoot the s—, catch up.”
For Olsen, losing his role without being given a real chance has to sting. Known as one of the best in the game at broadcasting, he had earned praise from fans and critics alike. But when it comes to FOX, Brady’s legendary name made the decision easy. Despite the situation, Olsen’s grace and lack of bitterness reflect the character fans have admired over the years.
Olsen also opened up about how Brady’s arrival has affected him and admitted he misses being part of the big moments.
“But yeah, it’s hard to sit there and watch games that over the last couple of years you were preparing for and you were calling,” Olsen explained. “And then you’re sitting there on your couch and you’re watching the game, you’re almost kind of broadcasting the game in your brain… you’re kinda driving yourself crazy with all these what-if scenarios as you’re watching the game. It’s very hard now to watch the games and just sit back and watch.”
For Olsen, the transition from being at the top of his game to being pushed to the sidelines is a familiar feeling. As a former NFL player, he understands how the league works when a younger or more prominent talent arrives or when a player’s career nears its end.
Although Brady’s first season as a broadcaster has had its challenges, he is expected to improve as he becomes more comfortable in the booth and learns the intricacies of the role. Olsen, with his wealth of experience, remains a valuable asset to the game, and fans hope to see more of him on-air in the future.
For now, both men are preparing to meet in New Orleans for the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Regardless of their individual journeys, the stage is set for another unforgettable game.
