Tampa, Fla. – brave catHis retirement lasted 40 days.
Brady said Sunday he’ll be back Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd season in the NFL. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his decision on Twitter and Instagram, saying he has “unfinished business.”
“Over the past two months, I’ve realized my position is still on the field, not in the stands,” Brady wrote. “That time will come. But not now. I love my teammates and love my supportive family. They made it all possible. I’ll be back for my 23rd season in Tampa. ”
Over the past two months, I have realized that my position is still on the field, not in the stands. That time will come. But not now. I love my teammates, and I love my family who always support me. They make it all possible. I will be back for my 23rd season in Tampa. LFG unfinished business pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
– Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
The announcement came the same day Brady posted a video on his Instagram story in which Cristiano Ronaldo asked him, “You’re done right?”
Brady’s answer couldn’t be heard, but the expression on his face suggests he really hasn’t closed the door for retirement, though Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said at the combined NFL two weeks ago, He closed the door when I spoke to him. Think like a lot of people now that he likes to have his name out there.”
Arians added that he feels Brady is done for the reasons he’s retired – mainly family. His children are growing and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, said she has struggled with watching him receive so many hits. But Brady was able to return because of the full support of his family.
The news also comes a day after a collector set aside $518,000 for the ball used in the final touchdown pass of Brady’s career to a wide receiver. Mike Evans, who excitedly tweeted, “LFG!” right after Brady’s announcement.
Brady’s return comes on the eve of the NFL free agent, in which the Bucs will face tough odds to return all of their free agents. Tight ending Rob Gronkowskicenter Ryan Jensenright guard Alex Cappaback angle Carlton Davisrun again Leonard Fournettesafety Jordan Whiteheaddefensive midfielder Ndamukong Suh and the person lining the outside Jason Pierre-Paul is set to be an unrestricted freelance agent with Bucs currently $11 million above the salary cap.
Gronkowski has yet to commit to a return to the 2022 season and said at the end of the season that his position would not be tied to Brady.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
