All eyes were on Tom Brady on Sunday as he made his NFL debut on Fox, but the man he replaced as the network’s top analyst, Greg Olsen, had a field day himself in his new role.
Olsen has emerged as one of the most likable figures in sports reporting since the award-winning co-commentator lost his job on Fox’s No. 1 NFL network to Brady. Olsen hasn’t complained. Instead, he’s praised Brady and even offered the legendary quarterback some advice.
Olsen joined Fox’s No. 2 team with live commentator Joe Davis, and in their joint debut they commentated on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the Atlanta Falcons.
“New season, new partner, it’s great to be with you, Greg Olsen,” Davis said during the pre-game introduction.
“Nice to see you, buddy,” Olsen replied.
“Nice to see you, buddy.” And the partnership between Joe Davis and Greg Olsen begins… pic.twitter.com/8eHNmKUavc
— Awful Announcement (@awfulannouncing) 8 September 2024
Davis, who recently told the Awful Announcing podcast that Olsen has a “sixth sense” for balanced game analysis, gave his new partner freedom to work. Olsen approached his new role with the same enthusiasm he’s shown in the past and the same excellence that earned him a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality – Event Analyst earlier this year.
Olsen has every reason to be bitter about losing his job through no fault of his own because he had to accept a large pay cut, but he was an exemplary employee.
Many fans and sports media are still not happy that Brady kicked Olsen out. That can’t be changed. All that mattered on Sunday was that Olsen had to commentate on a football game, and he showed up and did a great job as always.
Professionals in the sports media were definitely impressed with Olsen’s performance… and many still consider him the de facto No. 1 analyst at Fox.
Greg Olsen is absolutely amazing at Steelers-Falcons. He’s right up there with the best from every angle.
– Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) 8 September 2024
Joe Davis and Greg Olsen, the real A-Team on FOX.
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) 8 September 2024
Tom Brady is in the locker room now. I’m sure he’ll be good, but it’s hard to imagine he’ll be better than the demoted Greg Olsen.
Olsen just held a master class at booth #2 for PIT-ATL
— Ben Fischer (@BenFischerSBJ) 8 September 2024
He’s amazing. Should have never been cut from the A-team. I understand the deal/reason, but man.
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) 8 September 2024
It’s almost like he’s extremely good at it https://t.co/lDgw0KbAJz
— Dan Pizzuta (@DanPizzuta) 8 September 2024
Given Brady’s subdued debut, we have to assume this discussion will continue throughout the season, especially as Olsen continues to do a good job.
(Fox Sports)
