Tom Brady reversed his decision to retire – after just 40 days. The seven-time Superbowl champ stated he would be making a comeback for his 23rd season at the National Football League (NFL) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The decision was announced via Instagram and Twitter, with Brady emphasizing that he had “unfinished business.”
Team and family support
“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,” he tweeted.
Two seasons ago, Brady helped the Buccaneers secure a Super Bowl title as well as an NFC South championship last season. Coach Bill Belichick teamed up with him through 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, where they won six Super Bowls.
In 2021, Brady, 44, topped the NFL scoreboard for attempts (719), yards passing (5,316), completions (485), and touchdowns (43). Yet, the Buccaneers were defeated by the Los Angeles Rams at home in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The greatest quarterback
Brady made his announcement on the same day he posted a video with Cristiano Ronaldo on his Instagram Stories. In the video, the ace footballer is seen asking him, “You’re finished, right?,” but Brady’s response isn’t audible. However, his facial expression seemed to suggest he hadn’t shut the door on retirement yet.
Jason Licht, Buccs general manager, revealed that the team had been preparing for the announcement. He added, “[Head coach Bruce Arians] and I have had plenty of conversations with Tom recently that led us to believe there was a realistic chance he would want to come back. 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.”
A surprise comeback
Coach Arians, who was in attendance at the NFL combine two weeks ago, did not believe that Brady would be returning. Brady’s wife, Gisele Bundchen, has stated that it is hard for her to see him take multiple hits; additionally, his children are getting older. However, Brady now feels supported by his family. Coach Arians said the team is “ecstatic” with Brady’s decision to return for another season.