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Courtney Cronin
LAKE FOREST, Illinois — Ahead of the upcoming clash with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson is unfazed by any potential sharing of insights during his production meetings with Tom Brady and the Fox broadcast team.
Brady currently serves as an analyst for Fox’s “America’s Game of the Week” while also being a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, raising questions about a possible conflict of interest.
The game is set to be broadcasted live from Soldier Field on Sunday, just one week before the Raiders will host the Bears at Allegiant Stadium in Week 4.
Johnson dismissed concerns regarding any competitive disadvantage that might arise from his discussions with Brady prior to the matchup.
“Honestly, I’m not concerned about it,” Johnson remarked on Wednesday. “Our strategies evolve week by week. From a schematic standpoint, Brady will have access to the same game film that everyone else does.”
“Regarding personnel, it’s the same story. There’s no way I’ll be disclosing any insider information. I don’t think it’s a major concern,” he added.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed Johnson’s sentiment, humorously noting that he wouldn’t engage Brady in conversation.
“At the end of the day, every team has insights on every other team,” Schottenheimer said. “Everyone is connected in some way. I’m fine with Tom’s situation; I can share football insights with anyone. What he does as a team owner is his choice, and I don’t worry about my conversations reaching Pete or anyone else.”
Recently, Brady was spotted in the coaches’ booth with a headset during the Raiders’ previous game, where they succumbed to a 20-9 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The NFL clarified that while Brady can’t attend practices or production meetings, he is permitted to occupy a position in the coaches’ booth during games.
“There are no rules preventing an owner from being in the coaches’ booth with a headset during a game,” explained NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. “Brady was there in his role as a limited partner. All personnel in the booth must adhere to the policy regarding the use of electronic devices, using only league-approved tools like the Microsoft Surface Tablet for the Sideline Viewing System.”
As a first-time head coach, Johnson has participated in production meetings with ESPN and Fox throughout the preseason and past weeks, emphasizing that he is disciplined in keeping sensitive information secure.
“I’ve been cautious with my words since the season kicked off,” Johnson stated. “I’m in full coach-speak mode. So for me, it’s just another day at the office. I maintain a good rapport with Tom.”
Report contributed by ESPN’s Todd Archer.