The NFL playoffs delivered another electrifying matchup as the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated wild-card game on January 11, 2026. Broadcast on FOX with play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and legendary analyst Tom Brady in the booth, the atmosphere was charged from the kickoff. This rematch of the 2022 NFC Championship game—where the Eagles dominated a Brock Purdy-injured 49ers squad—promised redemption, rivalries, and high stakes.

Brady, in his second season as FOX’s lead color commentator after a record-breaking playing career with seven Super Bowl rings, brought his insider knowledge to the broadcast. Paired with the experienced Burkhardt, the duo aimed to capture the intensity of the clash between two powerhouse teams known for their physical, trench-dominated styles. The Eagles, riding a strong regular season, hosted the 49ers, who battled through injuries but boasted stars like Christian McCaffrey and a stout defense.

However, the real buzz post-game wasn’t just about the on-field action—it was Brady’s unintentional gaffe that stole the headlines. Midway through the broadcast, while praising the Eagles’ creative play-calling on a crucial drive, Brady accidentally referred to the team as the “Phillies,” confusing the NFL franchise with Philadelphia’s Major League Baseball team. The slip was subtle but unmistakable, and in the age of social media, it spread like wildfire.

Fans immediately took to platforms like X and Reddit, mercilessly trolling the greatest quarterback of all time. “Tom Brady calling the Eagles the Phillies? Even the GOAT has brain farts! 😂,” one viral post read, garnering thousands of likes. Others questioned his preparedness: “For $375 million, you’d think he’d know the difference between football and baseball.” The mistake highlighted ongoing debates about Brady’s transition to broadcasting. Despite his unparalleled football IQ, critics have pointed out occasional hesitations, overly cautious analysis, and minor errors in his rookie and sophomore seasons behind the mic.

Brady has faced similar scrutiny before—mixing up player names or stats in regular-season games—but a playoff stage amplified the backlash. Supporters defended him, noting that live television is unforgiving and even seasoned broadcasters like Burkhardt have had slips. Burkhardt, known for his smooth delivery, didn’t dwell on the error during the game, keeping the focus on the action as the Eagles’ defense pressured Purdy and Jalen Hurts orchestrated big plays.

This incident underscores the challenges legends face when stepping into new roles. Brady retired in 2023 after a storied career, signing a massive 10-year deal with FOX. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance—offering unique insights into quarterback decision-making and scheme breakdowns—moments like this fuel discussions about whether his expertise fully translates to engaging commentary.

Ultimately, the game lived up to the hype with dramatic turns, hard hits, and playoff intensity. But Brady’s blunder added an unexpected layer of entertainment, reminding viewers that even icons aren’t immune to human error. As the playoffs roll on, all eyes will be on whether Brady bounces back stronger in future broadcasts—or if the pressure of the booth continues to reveal cracks in the GOAT’s new armor.