TAMPA, Florida. Tom Brady retired for 40 days.
On Sunday, Brady said he was 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”.
“For the last two months, I’ve realized that my place is still on the pitch, not in the stands.” Brady wrote. “That time will come. But not now. I love my teammates and I love my supportive family. They do their best. I’ll be back for my 23rd season in Tampa.”
Over the past two months, I have realized that my place is still on the field, not in the stands. This time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m returning for my 23rd season in Tampa. LFG’s unfinished business pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
The announcement came on the same day that Brady posted a video to his Instagram stories in which Cristiano Ronaldo asked him, “You’re done, right?”
There was no response from Brady, but the look on his face showed that he really didn’t close the door before retiring, despite what coach Bruce Arians said at an NFL training camp two weeks ago: “He slammed it when I was talking to him. I think like a lot of these guys, now that he likes to have his name on there.”
Arians added that he thinks Brady is over because of the reasons he retired – mostly family. His kids are getting older and wife Gisele Bündchen struggles with him taking so many hits. But Brady is able to return with the full support of his family.
The news also came a day after a collector shelled out $518,000 for Brady’s last career touchdown ball to wide receiver Mike Evans, who excitedly tweeted “LFG!” moments after Brady’s announcement.
Brady’s return comes on the eve of an NFL free agent in which the Bucks will face tough odds to get all of their free agents back. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, center Ryan Jensen, right-back Alex Kappa, cornerback Carlton Davis, running back Leonard Furnett, safety Jordan Whitehead, linebacker Ndamukong Su and wingback Jason Pierre-Paul are all set to become unrestricted free agents with the Bucks. which are now worth $11. million above the salary cap.
Gronkowski has not yet pledged to return for the 2022 season and stated at the end of the season that his status would not be tied to Brady.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.