With Tom Brady’s words ringing loud, Geno Smith prepares to lead Raiders with one clear goal

Tom Brady and Geno Smith are forming an unexpected but powerful alliance as they lead a bold new chapter for the Las Vegas Raiders. Quarterback Geno Smith has become the centerpiece of the Las Vegas Raiders’ ambitious rebuild. Following a productive six-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks that revived his career, Smith was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick. But the story didn’t end there—shortly after the move, the 34-year-old signed a two-year, $75 million extension, solidifying his role as the team's leader under the newly appointed head coach Pete Carroll.What makes this transition more intriguing is the involvement of NFL legend Tom Brady. Now a minority owner of the Raiders, the 47-year-old has wielded considerable influence within the organization this offseason, reportedly playing a major role in the hires of both Carroll and general manager John Spytek. With Brady’s fingerprints all over the Raiders’ recent front office moves, it’s evident that the franchise is aiming for a full-scale culture shift—one grounded in accountability, professionalism, and a hunger to win.In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Smith opened up about his budding relationship with Brady, shedding light on a private conversation that underscored the tone they hope to set in Las Vegas."What I was talking to Tom about," Smith said after signing his deal. "This is something he said, and this is true: We don’t want to celebrate contracts. We want to celebrate wins." That mindset, according to Smith, is shaping the direction of the team. "This is our quarterback. This is the direction we’re headed. And there’s no gray area there. Everything’s set in stone. And when you have that, when you can set a real plan, then you can get things going."Smith’s visit to Brady’s home in Miami proved more than just a courtesy call—it was a mentorship moment. "We sat and talked for hours," Smith shared. "You’re sitting there, you’re like, 'Man, it’s Tom Brady.' But then, again, I mean, he’s got a hand in the organization that I’m playing for. There’s a lot of responsibility there."Perhaps more revealing was Smith’s own declaration of longevity in the sport. "I want to play many more years," he added. "So to have a guy right there who’s done it that I can just basically steal his regimen." That level of aspiration, backed by Brady’s proven formula, hints at a quarterback who isn’t satisfied with just a payday—he wants a legacy.Smith’s resurgence in Seattle saw him rack up over 19,000 passing yards and 117 touchdowns across a respectable 12-year NFL journey. Now, on his fifth NFL team, he aims to elevate the Raiders from mediocrity into legitimate contention in a stacked AFC West. The last campaign under interim head coach Antonio Pierce ended in disappointment, prompting ownership to reset the foundation."As far as the contract, I’m very grateful, very thankful, very appreciative. But my main focus is [to] go out there and win games, set the tone and be a better version than anyone’s ever seen of me," Smith affirmed.With Tom Brady’s championship ethos embedded in the walls of the Raiders’ facility and a motivated Geno Smith leading the huddle, optimism is finally on the rise in Las Vegas. The silver and black may just be ready for a long-awaited return to relevance.Also Read: Aaron Rodgers still undecided as Steelers wait—NFL insider reveals what’s really holding up the 2025 move