By Richie Zyontz
FOX NFL Lead Producer
Behind the scenes with FOX’s NFL crew, excitement fills the air as Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes meet directly.
Upon entering the television truck, viewers are immediately drawn in by the array of monitors lining the front wall. Workstations are arranged in a manner that only those familiar with the operation can comprehend. The multitude of dials and switches evokes the feeling of stepping inside a spacecraft.
At the helm of this intricate operation is technical director Colby Bourgeois, the Captain Kirk of the crew. His expertise and quick reflexes are vital for the success of this “Starship Enterprise.” With a control board featuring 1,100 buttons, this role demands precision and calmness under pressure. Producers and directors alike recognize the technical director as the true mastermind, and in Colby’s case, that sentiment is amplified.
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The essential trio in the production truck consists of the producer, director, and technical director. The TD attentively listens to the director’s cues, responding with the precise button press required for each command. Every image that appears on screen is a product of the TD’s skillful input. In the midst of live television’s occasional chaos, the TD must maintain focus and ensure the show runs smoothly.
Each crew member has a unique journey that led them to their current roles. Colby, a natural tinkerer from a young age, pursued his interests in math and electrical engineering at Arizona State. His career began at a local Phoenix station, eventually transitioning to network sports in 1998. For the past 18 seasons, he has worked alongside director Rich Russo, contributing to six Super Bowl broadcasts.
Colby skillfully manages his expansive control board while keeping a watchful eye on numerous monitors, reminiscent of a conductor leading an orchestra.
In today’s high-tech environment, things can go awry. During Super Bowl 48 in New Jersey, a glitch caused Colby’s station to falter. Without hesitation, he implemented the emergency protocol, seamlessly switching to a different panel while standing. Remarkably, the 110 million viewers remained unaware of the hiccup. Now, if Colby is seen standing during a game, it signals a potential issue.
Technical director Colby Bourgeois is the Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise that is our weekly FOX NFL production. (Photo courtesy of Richie Zyontz)
This season, the lack of competitive games has been disappointing for the crew. However, Week 7 promised to change that, featuring two iconic franchises facing off for the first time since their Super Bowl clash, with the league’s top quarterback taking center stage.
Brady and Mahomes cross paths … again
When the NFL schedule was unveiled in May, the rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers quickly became the most anticipated game for FOX. Patrick Mahomes would lead the field while Tom Brady would provide analysis from the booth, creating a Sunday that felt almost surreal.
The excitement began the day before, when Brady interviewed Mahomes for the FOX pregame show. The sight of the legendary quarterback sitting alongside the current star quarterback was a moment to remember.
The mutual respect between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes was clear during their interview ahead of Sunday’s Chiefs-49ers game. (Photo courtesy of Richie Zyontz)
The respect between the two quarterbacks was palpable during the interview. Brady, known for his fierce competitiveness, now sees Mahomes as a kindred spirit, someone equally committed to winning.
Their connection isn’t new; they first met after the 2019 AFC Championship Game, where Brady’s New England Patriots triumphed over Mahomes’ Chiefs. That day, Brady made a rare visit to the opposing locker room to commend Mahomes on his performance.
Reflecting on that moment during the recent interview, Mahomes expressed his gratitude: “For me, the biggest thing was obviously you’re Tom. You’ve done this for a long time, and you had that thought-process in that moment to come into the locker room, and you looked at me, and you said ‘you’re doing it the right way. Keep doing it like that, and you’ll have success,'” Mahomes shared.
Brady knew what kind of game Chiefs-49ers would turn out to be
The Saturday meetings leading up to the game were insightful. The crew of about 14 listened intently as Brady shared his analysis and predictions for the matchup.
This week, Brady anticipated a defensive showdown. This perspective was unexpected given the offensive prowess of coaches Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan. Nevertheless, it was Kansas City’s aggressive defense that played a crucial role in their 28-18 victory.
With injuries impacting the offensive lineup, Mahomes had to adapt his style of play, relying on a more conservative approach. The thrilling deep passes were replaced by a robust running game that effectively challenged San Francisco.
However, Mahomes still showcased his exceptional skills, highlighted by a stunning 33-yard run that left defenders in his wake, a reminder of his immense talent.
Looking ahead, the next week will feature an intriguing matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks. This game will provide Brady with the opportunity to observe quarterback Josh Allen in action at the NFL’s loudest outdoor venue.
