Topline
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who announced his retirement from football in February following 22 NFL seasons and seven Super Bowl titles, said on Twitter Sunday he’s changed his mind, and will be returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play in his twenty-third season in September.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating … [+] the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
“I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” Brady, 44, tweeted, captioning images of his teammates and family. “That time will come. But it’s not now. … I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa.”
Brady is already under contract with Tampa Bay for $10.4 million for the 2022 season as a placeholder year, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who speculated Sunday the team may add a year to his contract and increase his pay now that he’s confirmed to be returning.
Crucial Quote
“Total excitement,” Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said of his reaction to the news that his star quarterback would be returning for another season, according to the NFL Network. Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin replied to Brady’s tweet with a sunglasses emoji.
Key Background
ESPN broke the news of Brady’s initial retirement in February before his father, Tom Brady Sr. discredited the report by stating his son hadn’t made up his mind on retiring. Reports said Brady had reached out to Bucs general manager Jason Licht and told him he was still unsure about his future. Brady finally put confusion to rest three days later when he tweeted, “I am not going to make that competitive commitment [to the NFL] anymore,” seemingly confirming his retirement until Sunday’s announcement.
What To Watch For
The NFL’s free agency period begins Wednesday, and teams are allowed to begin negotiating with the agents of upcoming unrestricted free agents Monday. Several of the Bucs’ core players will become free agents, including tight end Rob Gronkowski—with whom Brady has been teammates for the former’s entire career—and center Ryan Jenson. Tampa Bay will be in a tight spot financially, as they are already $11 million over the salary cap.
Big Number
$450 million. That’s how much Forbes estimates Brady had earned over the course of his 22-year career when combining his NFL contracts with his off-the-field endeavors, making him the NFL’s all-time earnings leader.
Tangent
Brady’s announcement came within minutes of the news that Minnesota Vikings quarterback signed a one-year extension with his team worth $35 million to keep him in Minnesota through the 2023 season, according to the NFL Network.
