Tom Brady expects “massive improvement” from the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2026 season after the team earned the first overall draft pick following an underperforming campaign. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the Raiders minority owner said the entire organization failed to meet necessary performance levels last season.
Why did Tom Brady criticize the entire Raiders organization?
Brady attributed the team’s recent struggles to a collective failure among players and staff. He did not single out specific individuals, instead placing the responsibility on the entire group. “Last year, we just underperformed in every area. And it’s everybody’s fault,” Brady said during the podcast appearance.
The Raiders’ performance resulted in them securing the first overall selection in the upcoming draft. Brady noted that no single person in the organization performed at the required level. He emphasized that improvement must start with him and filter down to every player on the field.
“There’s not one player in the organization, there’s not anybody involved that did the job to the level that it needs to be done at. And everybody needs to improve.” — Tom Brady
How will the Raiders approach “hourly improvement” in 2026?
When asked for specific win totals, Brady declined to provide a number, focusing instead on the culture of development. He stated he expects “daily improvement” and “hourly improvement” from the roster. According to Brady, a hallmark of a successful team is its ability to evolve as the schedule progresses.
Brady argued that a team should be fundamentally better at the end of a season than it was at the beginning. He pointed out that many teams struggle with momentum due to the volatility of the offseason. Changes in coaching staffs and player rosters often force teams to spend the season rebuilding rather than progressing.
He noted that many teams play their best game of the year in the final week of the season. Brady suggested this trend is often a sign that a team failed to establish a consistent standard of excellence during the preceding months.
The challenge of offseason roster turnover
The transition from one season to the next remains a primary obstacle for NFL franchises. As teams integrate new draft picks and free agents, maintaining a cohesive culture becomes difficult. Brady’s expectation for “hourly improvement” suggests a desire to bypass the typical rebuilding cycle through constant, incremental gains.
Can Brady enforce accountability while working for Fox?
A potential conflict exists between Brady’s role as a team owner and his professional commitments as a lead broadcaster for Fox. While he can influence organizational standards, he is not in a position to participate in daily team operations or on-field practices.
Critics and analysts have noted
