GREG Olsen has opened up on his growing relationship with his Fox NFL replacement, Tom Brady.
This NFL season will be seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady’s first as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.
New England Patriots icon Brady joins the network on a monster 10-year deal reportedly worth $375 million.
In doing so, he’ll take over Olsen’s role in the lead duo alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
After three years and two Sports Emmy wins, Olsen will now join Joe Davis in the booth as the number two partnership.
But while some would hold a grudge against Brady for having taken his spot at the top, Olsen had nothing but kind words for his colleague.
The two have had the chance to get to know one another “over the last couple of months, spent a lot of time with him last week in LA at the seminar,” Olsen explained in an appearance on SI Media With Jimmy Traina.
“He’s been awesome. It’s been great to just get to know him personally.”
Olsen added that Brady has “been nothing but respectful and nothing but professional through all of this, which has been amazing, and I’ve tried to be that in return to him.
“I have no animosity or ill will for Tom.
“I think everyone is excited to see what it’s going to be like, what’s his perspective going to be, what’s his style going to be.”
Ever the team player, Olsen has also looked “to be as much of a resource as possible” for Brady.
And as for Brady’s learning curve, Olsen again had nothing but compliments for his colleague.
“I think he’s doing a really nice job picking people’s brains and getting people’s opinions, and obviously, he’s got the best partner you could ask for, especially for somebody learning the industry in Kevin – which was kind of my biggest advice,” he said.
“I was like, ‘When all else fails, just ask Kevin and just do what he says because that’s what I’ve done for the last three years and it’s served me very well.'”
Burkhart has worked in sports media since 1999, eventually joining Fox in 2013.
With Brady and Burkhardt now Fox’s lead duo, and Olsen joining Davis, the network has had to make moves elsewhere to accommodate.
Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez will reportedly work alongside Adam Amin, with ex-linebacker Jon Vilma joining Kenny Albert, according to The Athletic.
Finally, ex-fullback Daryl Johnston will work alongside Kevin Kugler, as former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth will pair with Chris Myers.
Brady will head to Ohio for the first game of his new career where he will call the Dallas Cowboys’ visit to the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 on September 8.
His season will end in New Orleans where he will call Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome.
