'Not my friend walking in': John Spytek dismisses Tom Brady connection, plots fresh path for Raiders
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College connection overplayed as John Spytek focuses on resume
Despite headlines highlighting their shared Michigan roots, John Spytek has firmly stated that his relationship with Tom Brady had no bearing on the Raiders' move to appoint him.
"Everyone says we were teammates at Michigan. Yeah, we were teammates," Spytek said on the 3 & Out Podcast. "But I mean, we hadn't really spoken in 20 years. So it wasn't like this was my friend walking into the building."
Spytek and Brady briefly overlapped at Michigan in 1999 but went separate ways for decades before reconnecting professionally in Tampa Bay.
There, Spytek helped build the roster that secured a Super Bowl LV win, working behind the scenes as Brady led on the field.
Still, Spytek insists his appointment in Las Vegas is a product of two decades of work in scouting and personnel. The suggestion that Brady pulled strings, he says, is far from the truth.
Raiders GM John Spytek on drafting Jeanty, extending Crosby & Smith, working for Brady | 3 & Out
Brady weighs in, but Raiders' direction set internally
Now a minority stakeholder in the franchise, Brady occasionally shares insights on player evaluations—particularly quarterbacks.
However, Spytek clarified that while Brady's football IQ is valued, the leadership team handles all decisions.
With veteran coach Pete Carroll also stepping into a key role, the Raiders are undergoing a major rebuild. Spytek plans to shape the franchise through disciplined scouting, long-term player development, and a strong football-first culture.
Also read:
With the NFL eyeing global growth, the Raiders' front office shake-up signals a clear shift in identity—and Spytek is at the forefront of that change.
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