Tom Brady opens up on his decision to join Raiders as minority owner

• NFL

Tom Brady has opened up about his decision to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders as the legendary NFL quarterback described the Raiders as "an iconic franchise." As a kid, Brady grew up rooting for the San Francisco 49ers and idolizing 49ers legend Joe Montana.

The Raiders, who were located in Los Angeles between 1982-1994 before returning to Oakland in 1995, have always had a strong rivalry with the 49ers. When 45-year-old Brady announced his retirement in February, it was expected that he would pursue to be an NFL team owner at some point.

But many expected Brady to attempt to become a minority owner of the 49ers or the Miami Dolphins, to whom he was linked last year.

Brady on his decision to invest in the Raiders

"I grew up in the Bay Area. My favorite team was the 49ers.

The team across the bay was the Raiders. And, you know, they’re an iconic NFL franchise. When I look at a lot of the people that have impacted the NFL over a long period of time in the most positive way, (former Raiders owner and GM) Al Davis is one of them.

And he’s not with us anymore but I’ve heard incredible stories. And then the opportunity came about to become a minority owner in the Raiders, it was a dream come true for me. I’ll be playing a very passive role.

This is something that I’m interested in doing for the rest of my life. This is not something that I’m into it for a year or two years. You know, I’ve got a lot of responsibility with my Fox job, which I take very seriously.

But if I’m looking over the course of my life, to have the opportunity to be involved in the NFL is a dream come true. And if I could help the NFL and continue to contribute in a positive way, then you know, that’s been a very enjoyable part of my life," Brady told The Associated Press.

Brady hasn't yet been officially introduced as the Raiders' minority owner as the NFL legend still needs the league's other 31 owners to approve his application.