Tom Brady Doesn't Hold Back In Criticizing NFL's Fine System

Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady isn't a fan of the NFL's fine system and the league taking money away from players.

Although NFL players are paid millions of dollars, they can get money taken away from them for dirty hits or conduct detrimental to the league, among others. However, Brady doesn't believe players should forfeit money.

Brady points to other jobs where, if you make a mistake, you don't lose some of your salary, and he hopes the NFL eventually gets rid of the fine system.

"What they start doing is they start fining you $50,000, $75,000," Brady said on the Stick To Football podcast "And I'm saying, like, I hate that. I hate the fact that, like, you sign a contract for $2 million a year, $5 million a year, and it's so easy for someone to say, ‘Give me $75,000. Give me $50,000. Oh, it's your second offense? That's $100,000. That's your third offense, $200,000.'

"I'm like, what job is like that in the world? Where you make a mistake at your job, and they come in, they go, ‘Hey, we're gonna take your salary away.' And then people are like, ‘Yeah, you should take his salary away.'"

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Brady was fined just twice in his NFL career, as in 2013, he was fined $10,000 for attempting to kick former Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed. Then, in 2022, he was fined $11,139 for an attempted kick at Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett during a game.

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, meanwhile, was also suspended four games for Deflategate, which saw him lose his game check, but that wasn't a fine.

Regardless, Brady isn't wrong in wanting the fine system to go away, but given that all four of the major pro sports in North America have the system in place, it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

Tom Brady's Comments Could Cause Problems

Although Brady is criticizing the NFL's fine system as a former player, his words could hurt his pocket.

Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, and, as such, the NFL has the right to fine him for his comments, which criticize the league. Despite Brady talking for the players as an ex-player, given his role with the Raiders, the future Hall of Famer has to be cautious with what he says about the NFL.

Although Brady still works as a commentator for FOX, the quarterback still has a role with the Raiders, and it's increasing, according to NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"Legendary quarterback Tom Brady and his business partner Egon Durban have wielded significant influence since becoming Raiders minority owners last year. Brady is close with former Michigan teammate and current GM John Spytek, with both serving as the sounding board for one another. While Spytek was Brady's GM target last year, Brady's prime target for head coach was Ben Johnson, who took the Bears job instead," the insiders reported back in December.

"Expect Brady - who has spent little time in the Raiders building as he balances his broadcasting duties on Fox and other business interests - to increase his presence as the decision closes in. Many of those in the building who know Carroll well understand change may be necessary."

Given that Brady is being more of a face of the Raiders, he will have to continue to watch what he says in criticizing the NFL and refs.

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This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 8:33 AM.