It was just a week ago that seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 splendid seasons.
Brady’s announcement came after days of speculation that he would call it quits following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season coming to an end in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Is Brady’s decision final? It’s a question we’ll hear on a never-ending loop given just how dominant he was this past season at the ripe age of 44.
Appearing on his weekly “Let’s Go” podcast, Brady spoke about his retirement decision. He also didn’t completely rule out a comeback. In fact, Tom Terrific seemed open to the idea moving forward.
“You know, I’m just gonna take things as they come. I think that’s the best way to put it and I don’t think anything. You know, you never say never. At the same time, I know that I feel very good about my decision. I don’t know how I’ll feel six months from now. (Something could) change, it most likely won’t.
But I try to make the best possible decision I can in the moment, which I did this last week. Again, I think it’s not looking to reverse course, I’m definitely not looking to do that. But at the same time I think you have to be realistic that you never know what challenges there are gonna be in life. Again, I loved playing. I’m looking forward to doing things other than playing.”
Tom Brady on potential NFL comeback (February 7, 2022)
To say that this is rather interesting would be an understatement. Typically, when future Hall of Fame quarterbacks retire, it’s for good. However, Brady saw no downtick in production in his second season with the Buccaneers. He led the NFL in completions, attempts, passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Tom Brady comments and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback situation
Brady technically remains under contract with the Buccaneers after signing a one-year, $25 million extension back in March of 2021. As for Tampa Bay, the team is already looking into its quarterback situation.
Timing could end up being an issue here for the Buccaneers. Brady specifically mentioned six months down the road as a hypothetical. The Bucs will already have a quarterback in place. Meanwhile, they have been linked to San Francisco 49ers signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo. He should be dealt here within the next few weeks. In short, head coach Bruce Arians and Co. are going to have to move forward under center.
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Brady talks about things changing. Whether that’s his own situation or quarterback situations around the NFL remains to be seen. Remember, he was intent on signing with the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2020 season before his favorite team growing up opted to stick with the aforementioned Garoppolo.
What happens six months down the road if Trey Lance proves he’s not ready to take over for Garoppolo? It’s all hypothetical. We can also play this game with multiple teams around the NFL.
Nevertheless, it’s interesting that Tom Brady didn’t simply close the door on a comeback for the 2022 season. Until he does, rumors will continue to swirl surrounding the greatest quarterback of all-time. That’s not even in question.