A former rival of Tom Brady’s has been tapped to call YouTube’s first exclusive NFL game.
The company will broadcast the season opener between the Chiefs and Chargers on September 5 in Brazil.
And as reported by The Athletic, ex-NFL star Kurt Warner will be the lead analyst for the game.
YouTube is still searching for a play-by-play man for its broadcast of the contest, which will take place at Corinthians Arena.
Nonetheless, it should be an exciting assignment for Warner, who also calls games for Westwood One Radio and NFL Network.
The former Rams and Cardinals star was in the NFL for 10 seasons alongside Brady, who bested him in Super Bowl XXXVI as the Patriots beat St. Louis’ ‘Greatest Show on Turf.’
Tom Brady and Kurt Warner faced off in Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17
Warner finished his career with the Cardinals as Brady played on until retiring in 2023
Warner has been a staple for NFL Network since retiring, while Brady debuted for Fox last year
While Warner tossed 365 yards in the game (compared to Brady’s 145 yards and a touchdown), it was the Patriots who won 20-17.
Warner ultimately retired following the 2009 season with one Super Bowl ring and two MVPs before getting inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
He’s been on a staple on NFL Network since he hung up his cleats, while Brady – who only retired for good in 2023 – joined his fellow ex-passer in the broadcasting ranks last year.
After signing a 10-year, $375million deal with Fox Sports, Brady served as the network’s lead NFL game analyst and ultimately helped call the Eagles win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
YouTube’s broadcast of the Chiefs-Chargers game will also reportedly include alternative ‘watch along’ streams featuring influencers, in addition to the main broadcasting that Warner will co-host.
However, the streamer is said to be having some difficulty finding a partner for Warner, with college and NFL games filling the rest of the weekend for broadcasters following the Friday night game.
The Athletic reported previously that top networks were hesitant to allow streamers (including Netflix) to use their talent.
However, CBS’ Matt Ryan and Nate Burleson are said to be under consideration for Netflix’s Christmas doubleheader.
Another one of Brady’s contemporaries, Drew Brees, has also been tapped by Netflix for one of those Christmas games.
