Tom Brady. Following his teams unfortunate loss in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Has ultimately chosen to retire. As of late, he’s shocked the world by announcing he’s returning and he’s in fact not lost that itch to play. Ultimately, his retirement lasted for 40 days. While social media was in a frenzy, many people decided to meme about the situation. This past Sunday, he announced returning for his 23rd season in the NFL, via Twitter. Tom Brady will be the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to start for a team at the age of 45.
“I’ve realized I still belong on the field, not in the stands, during these past two months. The time for that will come later, but not now. I have deep love for my teammates and my supportive family. They make everything possible. I’m returning for my 23rd season in Tampa.”
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 pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
The 44-year-old quarterback led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title just two seasons ago. During his 20 year tenure in New England, he was able to rattle off six Super Bowl titles while appearing in 10. Although they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round in the playoffs, Brady still led the NFL in every passing category. Brady recorded 5,216 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.
Tom Brady’s interview heard around the world
Ironically, iconic soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo broke the biggest story in sports currently without even knowing it. After Ronaldo’s game, they met up and began chatting, Ronaldo asks Brady, “You’re finished right?”.
While Brady’s answer wasn’t audible, in the video you can see Brady grimace as if he’s unsure of his decision. Within hours, Brady announces he’s coming out of retirement, and the world for all tents and purposes absolutely lost it.
The Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht released a statement Sunday evening:
“Coach Arians and I have had many discussions with Tom lately that made us believe he had a genuine desire to return. Tom is the greatest quarterback of all time and he’s still performing at an exceptional level. With this decision made, we will proceed with our offseason plans to strengthen our team for another championship pursuit.”
Bruce Arians has been open to speaking about the likelihood of Brady returning. However, he didn’t think he’d return as fast as he did, let alone at all. Arians took into consideration that he has his family’s life to be a part of. For example, his children are getting older, and he figured Brady want to spend more time with his wife, Gisele Bundchen.
“Tom Brady has an immense passion for football, more than anyone I’ve encountered,” Arians expressed. “As Tom himself stated, he belongs on the football field at this moment.”
4 reasons for Brady’s return
1. Brady’s itch for the game over exceeded, his need to be home!
2. The loss to Matthew Stafford haunts him, and he doesn’t want to end his career on a loss.
3. Rob Gronkowski, a future Hall of Fame tight end, gave Brady and call and begged him to return to the Bucs.
4. He may have wanted to return is simply because of another opportunity at a championship. There are almost no household names remaining in the NFC making it pretty clear who he has to beat in the playoffs.
