Tom Brady Says Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Loss Last NFL Season Sparked Retirement U-Turn

Tom Brady believes there is still a spot for him on the field as he opened up about what triggered his decision to return to football following his retirement.

The renowned NFL star announced his leave in February after concluding twenty-two seasons. However, in March, he proclaimed that he would return to the Buccaneers for the 2022 season.

Brady had a recent chat with ESPN, where he divulged details about the NFL season and what remains of his football career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 44-year-old athlete felt he could handle yet another NFL season despite his retirement announcement, which led to his thoughts about returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He told the outlet that he loved the game, and he knew his body could still physically do what it could. The star added, "I just felt like there was still a place for me on the field."

Following his retirement a few months ago, he spent time with his wife and children, during which he also pondered his decision to leave football.

While reflecting, he began to have the feeling that he should still be on the field. Then he spoke to several people he knew in Tampa, including Bruce Arians, a former coach.

After reaching out, the star quarterback ultimately decided that he was not done with the game. He admitted that he loved his teammates and the thrill that came with the challenge the team would face since the defensive coordinator Todd Bowles took charge.

Unfortunately, the Buccaneers ended last season with a loss which was off to Brady as the team lost 30-27 to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional playoff game.

A day before his new golf collection launch via his clothing brand BRADY, the NFL icon opened up regarding his team's loss.

He stated, "At the end of the day, I just love the competition on the field. And last year was a very bitter ending to a season, and we've got to make a lot of corrections to try to improve and put ourselves in a better position to succeed moving forward."

Brady felt pretty optimistic about returning to play even though he had no idea how much longer his football career would go.

Nevertheless, his body seemed geared up for the task as he did not want to miss out on yet another opportunity for a successful season with his teammates. Sitting on the sidelines is definitely not what he has in mind for the new season. 

"I know I don't have a lot left, I really do. I know I'm at the end of my career," the football champion confessed. "I wish I could go on forever, but it's just not, and football comes at too high of a cost now. My kids are getting older, and it's just getting harder and harder to miss these things."

Brady's return to football was his way of giving himself, his teammates, and the organization a chance to achieve something that they all could be proud of.

Around the time of his announcement to return to the field for the 23rd season in Tampa, The Blast noted that his wife, Gisele Bündchen, and several other fans supported his decision.

Bündchen has always been supportive of her husband, even when he shared his saddening decision to withdraw from his NFL career.

As the outlet noted, his detailed retirement message included a tribute to his family, including his partner and kids, for being his inspiration.

Brady's un-retirement announcement was shocking to most, but not to his buddy and former teammate Rob 'Gronk' Gronkowski.

The Blast shared that Gronk appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" earlier this month and was asked if his good friend informed him of his un-retirement.The 32-year-old said:

"He shot me a quick text, and I was like, 'Oh, it's the day before the free agency period where everyone starts signing everywhere.' And I'm like, 'Oh, there he goes again with his tricks.' So the day before Free Agency hits, he's un-retiring, and everyone stays in Tampa."

Gronk added that he was not surprised but was only stunned at how quickly Brady un-retired as he believed the former MVP would take a year off and then return after.

The four-time Super Bowl champion also felt his mate would be playing in the NFL till he was most likely 50-years-old.