LOS ANGELES, CA â Nov. 26, 2025
FOX Sports has officially suspended lead analyst Tom Brady after a controversial on-air slip during Sundayâs EaglesâCowboys broadcast ignited one of the most intense racial firestorms the network has faced in years. What began as a minor verbal stumble quickly spiraled into a national debate, forcing FOX to take immediate disciplinary action.
 
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter as Brady analyzed an Eagles offensive line play alongside play-by-play partner Kevin Burkhardt. Brady appeared to mispronounce Landon Dickersonâs name â creating an audio moment that many viewers believed sounded uncomfortably close to a racial slur. Though Brady corrected himself instantly, the clip exploded across social media within minutes.
Within the hour, the video was trending on X, Instagram, and TikTok, sparking outrage, debate, and widespread accusations of insensitivity. Some fans insisted Brady crossed an unacceptable line. Others argued it was an innocent verbal miscue. But the clipâs virality â amplified by several high-profile NFL accounts â left FOX with no choice but to respond.
After conducting a rapid overnight review, FOX executives announced an immediate suspension. The network emphasized that the measure was precautionary, not punitive, while they conduct a full internal investigation into the broadcast moment.
The decision represents the first major setback of Bradyâs broadcasting career. Hired to be the networkâs marquee NFL voice, Brady entered the booth under enormous scrutiny â and with expectations as large as his Hall of Fame rĂŠsumĂŠ. With that spotlight comes the reality that every word, especially during a primetime matchup, is dissected by millions of viewers.
Social media reaction played a major role in FOXâs fast response. Thousands of comments across multiple platforms condemned the apparent slip, demanding accountability. Others pushed back, citing the lack of an actual slur and calling the outrage overblown. The divide only intensified as the night went on, turning the clip into one of the most watched sports broadcasts controversies of the year.
Tom Brady just said the N-word on live TV…
đłđłđłpic.twitter.com/tEfuCKecvK
â Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 24, 2025
One detail that added further criticism: Landon Dickerson wasnât active for the game. That misidentification fueled accusations that Brady may not have been fully prepared â putting even more pressure on FOX to demonstrate that broadcast accuracy remains a non-negotiable standard.
FOX executives made clear that the suspension is not a determination of intent. There is no indication Brady meant to say anything offensive. Instead, the network stressed the broader responsibilities of live sports broadcasting â precision, professionalism, and heightened awareness regarding language.
Brady has not released a public statement, though internal sources say he acknowledged the seriousness of the moment and expressed full cooperation with the review process. FOX is expected to evaluate his future availability once the investigation concludes.

With the controversy still dominating sports conversation, FOX will adjust its on-air teams in the coming weeks, as the network now faces the challenge of stabilizing its top broadcast lineup during a high-stakes NFL season.
This story continues to develop â stay tuned.