While Tom Brady’s actual role with the Las Vegas Raiders was once shrouded in some level of mystery, it’s become apparent he’s the true puppet master. The multiple-time Super Bowl champion has become the NFL’s version of Vincent Gigante; running the Silver and Black from the shadows. Supporting him, you have general manager John Spytek, what Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno was to Gigante; a front boss, running the day-to-day operations.
Don’t forget about Mark Davis, somewhere he’s in a self-imposed exile. While holding the controlling interest in the Raiders, he’s all but forfeited the decision-making to those under him. He’ll likely ride into the sunset with one of his many lady friends at his side. Make no mistake, however, Davis wants to win. To do so, he finally let go of the reins and has let a pair of proven winners handle business.
At least we don’t have to pretend otherwise anymore, right? Brady has his fingers on the dial, but he’s also busy doing commentary for FOX Sports. A job for which he’s getting a ridiculous amount of money. All the while, he’s gathering inside information on teams; let’s not kid ourselves here. Hopefully Klint Kubiak will do a better job than Antonio Pierce did with that information.
Raiders GM John Spytek: “Tom is involved in everything…”
With NFL Combine in full swing, everyone and their mothers know that Raiders management have their eyes set on one player. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, unrealistically or not, will soon be handed the franchise. Could it be the case of a youngster getting “made” too soon (i.e. Christopher Moltisanti)? The Raiders don’t seem think so with the pick being a formality at this point.
We get it, the NFL media needs headlines and clicks right now. Be that as it may, there’s no way that the No. 1 pick gets dealt. Too many sacrifices have been made; Pete Carroll’s legacy, Geno Smith’s career, and Maxx Crosby’s delicate ego. Simply, there’s no turning back now. With regard to those decisions and the ones that are yet to come, Spytek was straightforward when addressing it this week.
“Anything that we do, I let him know about, and we communicate about,” said Spytek. “There is an expectation with the first pick in the draft and all the money we have, he is going to be involved,” the Raiders general manager added. “Any quarterback we have, there’s a different evaluation process and really what is called pressure that comes with having Tom in the building.”
There’s no more mystery or doubt if you’re a Raiders fan. Like him or not, Brady’s fingerprints will be all over this team. In fact, as more time progresses, that will become more and more self-evident. Drafting Mendoza is just the first real domino. With Spytek taking the heat in the bylines, Kubiak in charge of the streets, this will be Brady’s show for years to come.
*Top Photo: Getty Images