Tom Brady is set to make his highly anticipated return to Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium after more than six years, as he takes on the role of broadcaster for the Fox coverage of the Week 17 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. This game stands out as one of only two 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs that day, alongside a less thrilling contest between the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, both vying for the top pick in the upcoming 2026 draft.
Brady’s return has echoes of his past with the New England Patriots, particularly considering the unique tradition that emerged among Bills fans during his tenure with the team. This peculiar ritual, which began around 2016, involved fans throwing specific objects onto the field during games. It became such a notable occurrence that by Brady’s last visit in 2019, the Bills were compelled to publicly request that fans refrain from engaging in this behavior. The tradition even led to an arrest a year prior, underscoring the intensity of fan engagement in these matchups.
This Sunday marks a poignant moment as it’s not just Brady’s return; it also represents a significant chapter in Buffalo’s history as it is expected to be one of the final regular-season games played in the current stadium, which is slated for demolition. While the official stance is to discourage any throwing of objects, it could be argued that ignoring the tradition would be missing out on an opportunity for a memorable moment.
As Brady steps into the booth, it could be wise for Fox to take precautionary measures, perhaps by installing plexiglass in front of the broadcast booth, ensuring that the returning icon can focus on calling the game without distraction. With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, fans and commentators alike are anticipating a game filled with excitement both on and off the field.