NFL Network host Scott Hanson has issued a humbling apology for criticizing Tom Brady’s Fox Sports broadcasting debut live on air.

Brady received mixed reviews for his performance on Sunday during the Dallas Cowboys’ 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Tom Brady made his Fox NFL broadcasting debut on SundayCredit: NFL on FOX

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Brady earned mixed reviews for his call of the Dallas Cowboys-Cleveland Browns gameCredit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

NFL Network host Scott Hanson criticized Brady live on air for his lack of enthusiasmCredit: Getty
But little did the New England Patriots icon expect to be criticized by a fellow NFL broadcaster during his high-profile broadcast debut.

Brady and fellow announcer Kevin Burkhardt discussed the scenarios as Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey lined up a 71-yard field goal attempt.

The Cowboys instead called a timeout and decided to punt the ball instead.

“Maybe everyone’s gonna rethink this one,” Brady said.

But during NFL Network’s RedZone broadcast, Hanson made it clear he was not impressed with Brady’s enthusiasm for the proposition of a 71-yard field goal.

“Oh come on! Brady’s gotta get more excited than that in the booth,” Hanson was heard saying.

A video clip of the incident went viral, and Hanson apologized for his remarks on Monday.

“This was unfair & inconsiderate by me,” Hanson wrote on Twitter/X.

“Yes, I was saying it tongue in cheek – but I didn’t calculate how it may come across.

“[Tom Brady] I apologize. I promise I am rooting you on in this new venture!”

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Many fans backed Brady, arguing that the NFL legend needs more time in his new career to find his feet.

“The criticism was valid but it should have been done in private!” one fan said.

“Brady has worked incredibly hard for a year to be good at this job and he will get there.”

Another fan said: “It’s Brady’s first game, of course there will be bumps in the road. Even he would probably tell you that.”

Brady was under intense scrutiny as he began his 10-year, $375 million broadcast deal as Fox’s lead NFL game analyst.

The Tom Brady domino effect

Tom Brady will take his seat in Fox’s top NFL announce team alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

And his arrival at the network has set off a domino effect with every other announcer moving down one spot.

That means Fox’s NFL coverage in 2024 will feature entirely new broadcast pairings.

Greg Olsen, who previously worked alongside Burkhardt, will now be part of the No. 2 announce team with Joe Davis.

The other Fox pairings for 2024 are:

Adam Amin-Mark Sanchez
Kenny Albert-Jon Vilma
Kevin Kugler-Daryl Johnston
Chris Myers-Mark Schlereth

He replaced former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, who was promoted to Fox’s No. 2 broadcasting team.

Brady appeared ready for the moment when Burkhardt introduced TV viewers to the NFL legend.

“We say welcome to the broadcast booth,” Burkhardt said.

“He’s Tom Brady, and I’m Kevin Burkhardt.

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Brady was also left hanging by a Fox colleague in another viral momentCredit: NFL on FOX
“And you’re a broadcaster, how about that?”

Brady replied: “We’re here. It’s been quite a journey, but I love being your partner.”

The NFL icon appeared eager to make a good impression on day one, attempting to greet rules analyst Mike Peirera with a fist bump.

Brady held out his hand, only for Peirera to awkwardly continue looking at his monitor and accidentally ignore the NFL GOAT.

“Don’t leave me hanging,” a desperate Brady begged, styling out the moment as Peirera finally noticed his outstretched hand.

The toe-curling exchange was caught live on Fox cameras.

Overall, many fans feel that Brady still has a lot of room for improvement, while many of them are predicting great things from the Patriots icon.

All eyes will be once again on Brady during Week 2.

His assignment will be in Dallas as the Cowboys take on the New Orleans Saints.