John Spytek kept it straightforward when asked about Tom Brady’s involvement with the Raiders in his first year as GM.
A new era of Las Vegas Raiders football was ushered in this offseason as the franchise hired Pete Carroll and John Spytek as head coach and GM, respectively, to lead the team into the future. Carroll has obviously been around the block a few times as a coach but it’s Spytek’s first time in the top spot. The rookie GM inherits an interesting situation in Vegas, one that does not include a long-term answer at quarterback, but one that does offer one of the greatest quarterback minds in the history of football by the name of Tom Brady.
Brady’s voice as a minority owner and how it affects the manner in which the Raiders go about their business going forward is a constant question being asked around Las Vegas right now. To that point Spytek was asked by Peter Schrager at the NFL combine what role Brady will have entering this new regime. Spytek kept his answer straightforward.
“I was saying the other day, I would be a special kind of idiot if I didn’t use Tom as a sounding board for certain places,” Spytek said.
It turns out Spytek and Brady go way back. The two played at the University of Michigan together in 1999, and Spytek was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ director of player personnel when the franchise landed Brady in free agency in 2020. That partnership was obviously a great success, with Brady leading the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory the season he signed, and Spytek was promoted to assistant GM a few years later.
So Spytek should know as well as anyone the sort of resource Brady can be. And he isn’t afraid to acknowledge it, either, as the above quote proves.
John Spytek has steadily risen through the NFL ranks to become one of the most respected front-office executives in the league. Currently serving as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Vice President of Player Personnel, Spytek has played a crucial role in shaping the team’s roster, including helping build the squad that won Super Bowl LV. With a sharp eye for talent evaluation, he has been instrumental in drafting key players and making impactful free-agent signings, ensuring the Buccaneers remain competitive in a constantly evolving league.
Before joining Tampa Bay, Spytek built an impressive résumé with multiple NFL franchises, including the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles. His extensive experience in scouting and player development has made him a highly sought-after executive. During his tenure with the Broncos, he was part of the scouting team that helped construct Denver’s Super Bowl 50-winning roster. His ability to identify hidden gems and build well-rounded rosters has set him apart as one of the top personnel minds in the business.
As speculation grows about potential general manager openings around the league, Spytek’s name continues to surface as a prime candidate for a top executive role. His proven track record in talent evaluation, combined with his leadership and deep understanding of roster construction, makes him an ideal choice for any franchise looking to rebuild or sustain success. Whether he remains in Tampa Bay or takes on a new challenge elsewhere, there’s no doubt that Spytek will continue to be a major force in shaping the future of the NFL.
