Tom Brady Comes Out Of Retirement

Following the NCAA’s March Madness Selection Sunday show, Tom Brady surprised the whole National Football League (NFL) world by announcing he would be coming out of retirement for his 23rd season. Despite wanting to focus more of his time and attention towards his family and other businesses, he immediately started to second guess himself not even a week after his retirement. Sportingnews.com stated, “Just six days after his retirement, Brady threw fuel on flames of his return, saying on his podcast ‘you never say never’ about a potential return.” 

Brady took about 40 days to really reflect on his decisions before announcing his return to the NFL, however conversations with people from the Buccaneers, followed by a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo lead people to believe it was going to happen before he even got the chance to publicly say it. “Bucs General Manager Jason Licht also released his own statement Sunday, revealing that he and Arians had several conversations with Brady recently that made them believe the quarterback might return,” NBCBoston.com says. 

On March 13, 2022, Tom Brady attended the Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur game, where he sat with the Glazer family, who owns both Manchester United and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the match, Brady got the opportunity to speak with professional soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, where he was asked if his time on the field is done forever. “You’re finished right?” was the simple question that Ronaldo asked Brady, however Brady couldn’t find the words to answer it.

The next morning Brady posted on Twitter, “These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG.” 

As word spread about him returning to the NFL, more and more people began to question if there were any other reasons he chose to return, not just him simply missing the game. Theringer.com states, “Back in 2014, Brady said he would retire when he sucks, and he does not suck yet.” Additionally, the same article stated, “Brady said for so long that he wanted to play until he was 45, and maybe he decided it was silly to quit after having such an accomplished season at 44.” 

With Brady playing at such a high level last year, it didn’t shock many when he decided to unretire. Si.com says, “Brady threw for a career-high 5,316 yards along with 43 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2021, leading the team to a 13-4 record and a playoff berth, following a Super Bowl title the year before.” He is expected to have another sensational season, he is looking to gain yet another Super Bowl Championship. Si.com says, “Much to McVay and the rest of the league’s chagrin, Tampa Bay will be a championship favorite once again in ‘22, unless father time has finally caught up to the ageless signal-caller.” 

His comeback would make him the oldest active NFL player, however that doesn’t have anyone worried. Brady’s teammates, coaches, and fans were described as all reacting with “jubilation” once they heard he would be coming out of retirement. “‘He’s not done, man, let me tell you,’ Gronkowski said. ‘The guy’s 44 and, let me tell you, he doesn’t look a day over 23 when he’s throwing the football around.’” 

Additionally, Bruce Arians says, “‘Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around. As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field. He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season. We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship.’” 

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization excited to get him back on the field, they feel his transition back to the professional football world won’t be a challenge whatsoever. “Tom is the greatest quarterback of all time who is still playing at an elite level. With this decision now made, we will continue to move forward with our offseason plans to reload this roster for another championship run,” Jason Licht said. 

However, the Buccaneers are not the same team they were when Brady joined two years ago, so it brings up the discussion on whether or not he should stay with the team. Theringer.com explains, “The team is set to lose nearly half of its starters to retirement or free agency this offseason— including Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette, and both starting offensive guards, Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet. Perhaps Brady was ready for yet another change.” 

Because the franchise’s value rose so much, $660 million, between the time Brady signed their last March of 2020 to now, it wouldn’t be completely ridiculous to ask the Bucs to trade him. Theringer.com says, “Brady could simply tell the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs, ‘you’re welcome’ and ask them to send him somewhere of his choosing.” However, this doesn’t look like something he plans on doing. 

Brady’s hopes are that his potential return to the Buccaneers will influence the decisions of his former teammates, or at least the ones most valuable to him. CBSsports.com states, “Some, like cornerback Carlton Davis, may bolt for monster paydays regardless. But don’t think for a second that others, like center Ryan Jensen or tight end Rob Gronkowski or pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, won’t now think long and hard about re-signing.” 

The return that sparked the whole entire football world did indeed have an impact on some players, specifically center Ryan Jensen. Skysports.com states, “On the same day Brady announced his return, the Bucs also agreed a three-year, $39m deal with center Ryan Jensen, retaining one of the veteran quarterback’s key protectors heading into what will mark his 23rd season in the NFL.” 

All in all, Tom Brady is beyond excited to return back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to continue to play the game he loves. He still has a lot left to bring to the table, and hopes to finish off the 2022 season being named the Super Bowl Champion yet again. The NFL can’t wait to see all he accomplishes in this season, and hopefully many more to come!