If anyone is looking for the seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback to return to the field in 2023, Tom Brady put that idea to rest.
The conspiracy theorists were in their glory. Recently, it was reported that Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who signed with the team this offseason, could actually be released by the club.
The Athletic recently reported (via Daniel Chavkin of SI.com) that the nine-year signal-caller had foot surgery after he signed with the team, and he would wind up failing his physical. The Raiders wound up reworking his deal and included a clause that Garoppolo could be waived by the Raiders.
So, what does that have to do with retired legend Tom Brady? It was announced that the 23-year NFL had reached an agreement to become a member of the Raiders' ownership group (via ESPN's Paul Gutierrez). Hence, the wheels started spinning for some people out there. Could Brady actually change his mind about retirement once again and return for a 24th NFL campaign?
In a word, no. To be more precise, in his words.
Tom Brady says absolutely not to rumored return to Raiders, NFL
Stranger things have happened, especially when it comes to the seven-time Super Bowl champion. Following the Buccaneers' home playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl LVI champion Rams in the 2021 NFC Divisional Playoffs, the star quarterback was ready to hang it up. That didn't last long as the changed his mind and played the entire 2022 season.
It was a forgettable year for Brady in his third and final year with the team. Yes, the Buccaneers won the NFC South albeit with an 8-9 record. However, they were humbled by Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round, 31-14. When it was all said and done, the 45-year-old pro threw for 4,694 yards and just 25 scores, as opposed to nine interceptions. One year earlier, he led the NFL with 5,316 passing yards and 43 TD tosses.
This time it appears that Brady won't be coming back to play once again. It's certainly understandable if there are doubters out there. Time will tell.