Tampa, Florida – Tom BradyHis retirement lasted 40 days.
Brady said Sunday that he will be returning to the 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 had “unfinished business.”
“Over the past two months, I’ve realized that my place is still on the field, not in the stands.” Brady Books. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make everything possible. I’ll be back for my 23rd season in Tampa.”
For the past two months, I’ve realized that my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it is not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They made everything possible. I will be back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished Business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
Tom Brady March 13, 2022
The announcement comes on the same day that Brady posted a video on his Instagram Stories featuring the football star Cristiano Ronaldo He asked, “I’m done, right?” Brady’s answer wasn’t audible, but the expression on his face suggested he hadn’t really closed the door on retirement.
In a statement Sunday evening, Boxes general manager Jason Licht said the announcement was something the team had been preparing for in recent days.
“[Head coach Bruce Arians] I’ve had so many conversations with Tom lately that we thought there was a realistic chance he’d want to come back, Licht said. “Tom is the greatest quarterback ever and still plays at an elite level. With this decision now made, we will continue to move forward with our unofficial plans to reload this roster for another round of the tournament.”
Arians said in the NFL two weeks ago that he didn’t think Brady would be back, adding that he felt his quarterback was done because of his reasons for retiring – mostly family. His children are growing up, and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, said she struggled to see him take so many hits. But Brady is able to return due to the full support of his family.
In a statement Sunday, Arianes said the team is “happy” that Brady has decided to return for another season.
“Tom Brady loves to play football like no one else I have ever had,” said Arians. “As Tom said, his place now is the football field.”
The news also comes a day after a collector paid $518,000 for a ball used in the last pass of Brady’s career to a wide receiver. Mike Evans, who excitedly tweeted, “LFG!” Moments after Brady’s announcement.
Brady’s return comes on the eve of an NFL free agency in which the Bucs will face the odds of bringing back all of their free agents. tight end Rob GronkowskiCenter Ryan JensenRight keeper Alex Capaback corner, Carlton Davisrunning back Leonard Fortnitesafety Jordan Whiteheaddefensive line Ndamkong Suh And outside the back Jason Pierre Paul They are set to become unrestricted free agents with the Bucs currently $11 million above the salary cap.
Gronkowski has yet to commit to returning for the 2022 season, and said at the end of the season that his situation would not be related to Brady.
The Buccaneers saw their odds of winning a Super Bowl at Caesars Sportsbook dropped from 20-1 Sunday’s entry to 10-1 after news of Brady’s return. Their NFC odds have been reduced from 10-1 to 5-1, behind the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers.
Brady was listed 45-1 to win the 2022 NFL MVP award prior to the announcement but those odds have yet to be republished. Super Bowl and NFC odds dropped by 90 minutes while Caesars Sportsbook worked through the news, along with booking the NCAA Championship streaks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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