Tom Brady, upon retiring for the second consecutive year in 2023, emphatically declared his departure from football as permanent.
However, recent developments suggest the renowned NFL figure may be contemplating yet another return.
During an interview on “DeepCuts with VicBlends,” a production by Shadow Lion, the iconic former New England Patriots quarterback was queried about his readiness to entertain a potential comeback if a team in need reached out with an offer.
Brady’s response was carefully observed by fans and analysts alike, eager to discern any indication of a potential return to the field.
“I’m not opposed to it,” Brady responded with a smile. “I don’t know if they’re gonna let me, if I become an owner of an NFL team, but I don’t know if — I don’t know, I’m always gonna be in good shape, (I’ll) always be able to throw the ball.
So to come in for a little bit, like M.J. coming back? I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
Michael Jordan’s multiple retirements from his legendary NBA career between 1993-2003, alongside Brady’s mention of the Hall of Famer, implies that Brady may not have definitively ended his own playing career.
However, Brady’s potential ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders remains pivotal. Although he hasn’t been approved as a minority owner yet, if and when he is, NFL regulations would likely require league-wide approval for any playing contract if he decides to return to the field.
Despite the uncertainties, it’s evident that Brady hasn’t dismissed the possibility, even at nearly 47 years old.
“Patriots? Could be,” he joked, when asked about a move to the San Francisco 49ers. “Raiders? Could be. You never know.”
Brady’s last game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was in 2022, concluding his third and final season with the team after an illustrious 20-year tenure with the New England Patriots.
As a seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL MVP, he currently stands as a free agent after his contract with the Buccaneers concluded, making him accessible to all 32 teams for the upcoming 2024 season.