Tom Brady's debut in the FOX broadcast booth will come in Cleveland in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
(Ed. Note: A previous version of this story was messed up and has been corrected.)
The Browns will host Tom Brady’s debut as FOX Sports’ lead football analyst this season.
The network chose to feature Brady in an opening Sunday matchup between the Browns and Dallas Cowboys in Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 8. The game was assigned the exclusive 4:25 p.m. kickoff, which very well may produce the biggest viewing audience of the league’s opening weekend.
The announcement, made by the network’s multi-host Michael Strahan with Brady on hand, was part of the NFL’s slow release of the 2024 schedule.
All of the league’s TV partners are releasing their biggest games prior to the full unveiling of the full 2024 schedule on NFL Network on Wednesday night at 8.
Brady’s announcing debut is a huge deal for FOX. After retiring following the 2022 season, the sport’s all-time greatest quarterback signed with FOX for $375 million over 10 years. He took 2023 off and was skewered in a cringe-worthy roast streamed live on Netflix last week.
FOX wanted a star attraction for Brady’s debut, and no team pulls bigger ratings than the Cowboys. The Cowboys are the No. 1 attraction on a loaded home schedule for the Browns. Browns vs. Cowboys figured to be a coveted matchup for any network. Although not in prime time, the exclusive 4:25 p.m. game, combined with Brady’s debut, easily makes this one of the biggest games of the season for the Browns – more so than a typical opener.
In a statement released by the Browns, coach Kevin Stefanski said, “It's exciting to be able to open the season at home. Last year's home opener was electric, and we expect the same atmosphere. We feed off our fans' energy and I am sure there will be a little extra juice from them with this being the first one of the 2024 season. The Cowboys are the defending NFC East champs, so it will be a great challenge and we are looking forward to it.”
With the opener unveiled, how will the rest of the Browns’ schedule shake out?
We present our second annual schedule mock.
Week 1: Home vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, September 8, 4:25 p.m.
In his announcing debut, Brady will be scrutinized more than Deshaun Watson.
Week 2: At Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, September 15, 1 p.m.
What condition will strike Joe Burrow this time? Tonsillitis? Severe eczema? Ingrown toenail? Can the Browns continue their inexplicable hex over the Bengals’ franchise QB?
Week 3: At Washington Commanders, Sunday, September 22, 1 p.m.
The lowlight of the 2024 schedule. Please get this one over as soon as possible.
Week 4: Home vs. New York Giants, Sunday, September 29, 1 p.m.
Another nuisance game. Be done with it.
Week 5: At New Orleans Saints, Sunday, October 6, 1 p.m.
The Saints are boring. New Orleans is not.
Week 6: Home vs. Kansas Chiefs, Monday, October 14, 8:20 p.m.
It’s a Kelce Appreciation Night. Travis Kelce returns home. Mom and Dad will be there. So will brother Jason Kelce, as part of ESPN’s pre-game coverage. What about Taylor Swift? It could be her first visit to Kelce’s home town.
Week 7: At Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, October 20, 1 p.m.
Stefanski’s first regular-season game in his hometown. Also, GM Andrew Berry adores the Eagles. The Browns preferred to play this game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but they got skunked by the Green Bay Packers.
Week 8: Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, at London, Sunday, October 27, 1 p.m.
The Browns are over-due to play an international game.
Week 9: Bye.
Can’t complain about the bye week coming right in the middle of the season.
Week 10: Home vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, November 10, 1 p.m.
Here come the division games.
Week 11: Home vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, November 17, 1 p.m.
Burrow still winless in Cleveland.
Week 12: At Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, November 24, 4 p.m.
Browns fans will invade Allegiant Stadium.
Week 13: Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, December 1, 1 p.m.
Toledo-native Jim Harbaugh brings a different-style Chargers’ team to Browns Stadium.
Week 14: At Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, December 5, 8:30 p.m.
This will be a division-tilting encounter.
Week 15: Home vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, December 15, 1 p.m.
This game must be scheduled in December. Or January.
Week 16: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, December 22, 1 p.m.
Browns avert Christmas Day game.
Week 17: At Denver Broncos, Sunday, December 29, 4 p.m.
Ugh. Always a pain to play in Denver.
Week 18: At Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, January 5, 1 p.m.
With playoff berths and seedings on the line, Nick Chubb gets his revenge.