NFL legend Tom Brady decided to hang up his cleats in February 2023, but in a recent interview, he revealed he has considered a potential comeback. After stepping back on the field with current and former NFL players at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles, California, this past March, it seems the New England Patriots alum has gotten the itch to return. But what does the NFL think of his idea?
Tom Brady Says The NFL Gave Him Much Flak For Asking About Un-Retiring To Make A Major Comeback
Speaking with CNBC Sport on Thursday, March 26, Brady, who won championships with the Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, revealed that he’s spoken with the NFL about possibly lacing up his cleats for another round in the trenches.
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady said. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
Brady’s statement comes just days after he returned to the field alongside Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Saquon Barkley, Stefon Diggs, and more for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
During the game, Brady proved he hadn’t missed a beat despite being away from the game for years. In one viral clip, Brady eludes a tackle before throwing a touchdown pass to Diggs. “Gets you thinking…” he captioned the moment on X.
Tom Brady Retired (For A Second Time) In February 2023
Brady’s flag football appearance excited many NFL fans, especially after he announced his retirement from the league (for a second time) in February 2023.
“I’m retiring. For good. I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I’d just press record, and let you guys know first,” he said in a video shared online. “It won’t be long-winded, you only get one super-emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year, so. I…really thank you guys…so much.”
His statement came exactly one year after he announced his first retirement through an emotional ESPN personal essay.
“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore,” he said in his announcement. “I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”
Brady called his playing career a “thrilling ride,” adding that he’d hold the special memories near and dear.
Tom Brady Is Taking On Other Roles Since Leaving His Playing Days In The Rearview
Since retiring, Brady has kept busy, taking on additional work, including his lucrative Fox broadcasting gig and role as a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I’m a minority owner. So, when you’re that, there’s really no job description. I don’t have really a daily role,” he said. “You know, my phone call is always available to everybody who needs it. I want to see everyone succeed, be their best, bring a winning kind of a culture to Las Vegas — to bring the Raiders back to glory. I’d love to be a part of it.”
Rob Gronkowski Has Found It Challenging Keeping Up With ‘Single’ Brady
Brady’s love life has also undergone a bit of a change since leaving football behind. After splitting from his ex-wife, model Gisele Bündchen, Brady has been rumored to be involved with various celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Alix Earle.
Brady’s life as a single man has also reportedly kept others around him on their toes, including his former teammate, Rob Gronkowski. According to The Blast, Gronk said he’s noticed a major shift in Brady since his divorce.
“… we flipped the script,” Gronk said. “I was single when I first got into the league and Tom was married.”
Brady has since done a complete 180, said Gronk. “Wow. Now he’s going out every weekend, and I’m at home with my girl.”
Brady Gets Vulnerable With His Son
Another report from The Blast details Brady’s moving conversation with his son, Benny Brady. During their “Carversation,” hosted by Instagram, Brady asked his son to share more about some of their family’s core values.
While Benny admitted his father has taught him many important lessons, there’s one that stands out among the rest.
“I mean, the biggest one that you literally drill into my brain is that being cool is to be caring. Like, cool people are people who care. And I mean, I literally hear it in my sleep the amount of times you’ve said that to me. Kind of gets scary,” Benny said. “I feel like I do. Like, you’re not going to be 100% perfect all the time, but what you can be is you can learn from your mistakes, and you can grow from the mistakes.”