FCC contacts Tom Brady over viral 'piss missile' comment

Tom Brady’s transition from legendary NFL quarterback to television analyst has produced plenty of memorable moments, but one recent broadcast apparently resulted in an unexpected conversation with the Federal Communications Commission.

While calling the Washington Commanders’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys for FOX, Brady reacted to Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury with an expletive (“Oh s***”) before delivering an even more memorable description later in the game.

After Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb on a deep throw, Brady called it an “absolute piss missile.”

The unusual phrase quickly went viral, with fans circulating clips of the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s commentary across social media. Brady subsequently acknowledged that he probably could’ve chosen his words more carefully and said he was “actually kind of embarrassed” by the incident.

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback also apologized for his language. However, he later revealed that the moment had apparently created another consequence away from the broadcast itself.

In an Instagram post celebrating his FOX colleagues, Brady joked about the phrase while looking ahead to the rest of the NFL season.

“There’s nothing I love more than going to work with my man, and the best in the business, @kevburkhardt and the entire @nflonfox crew,” wrote Brady .

“I’m blessed to work with the best team in sports. @erinandrews, Tom Rinaldi, @dean.blandino, Richie, Rich and the entire crew that makes it happen EVERY SINGLE WEEK. We love sharing our insight with you, the fans who support the @nfl with more passion than I can ever remember.”

Brady then explained the strange wording by saying he had received a call from the FCC, accompanied by laughing emojis.

That claim appears to have been delivered in the same joking spirit as the rest of his post, and Brady didn't indicate that he had received a fine or other formal punishment.

The FCC does have rules concerning obscene, indecent and profane material on broadcast television, although enforcement depends heavily on the context and circumstances surrounding a broadcast.

Brady’s commentary isn’t getting any quieter

The “piss missile” controversy isn't the only time Brady’s outspoken approach to broadcasting has attracted attention this season.

During Sunday’s Los Angeles Chargers game, Brady was critical of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s play-calling.

“I’ve heard Tom Brady confused at offensive play-calling before. He’s been downright baffled and irritated at Mike McDaniel and the #Chargers’ play-calling, particularly in the red zone,” wrote NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

The situation is notable because McDaniel is in a new role after leaving the Miami Dolphins and joining the Chargers. Expectations were high surrounding his work with quarterback Justin Herbert , but early offensive struggles have placed the play-calling under scrutiny.

Brady isn't the first prominent former quarterback to question McDaniel’s decisions. Hall of Famer Troy Aikman previously expressed strong frustration with McDaniel’s late-game strategy during Miami’s loss to Pittsburgh, criticizing the Dolphins’ approach to timeouts and tempo.

Whether Brady’s breaking down a play or accidentally creating a viral phrase, his commentary continues to generate headlines, though he’ll likely be extra careful in the future in order to avoid another call from the FCC.