An NFL fan won gold after selling what was believed to be Tom Brady’s last touchdown ball, only for the iconic quarterback to announce his return to the sport.
Brady found Mike Evans for a 55-yard touchdown in what was believed to be his last game when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost an NFC playoff clash with the eventual Super Bowl winners the Los Angeles Rams.
Evans, wide receiver as usual, threw the ball into the end zone as a souvenir for a Buccaneers fan.
Brady threw what was believed to be his last touchdown pass in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFC playoff loss to the LA Rams.
Receiver Mike Evans, who caught a touchdown and then threw the ball into the stands for what turned out to be a very lucky Buccaneers fan.
According to Lelands’ auctioneers, his last touchdown pass sold for $518,628.
The auction ended on Saturday at 10:00 pm EST, although whoever bought the ball didn’t buy what they expected.
Less than 24 hours later, Brady shockingly announced that he had reversed his decision to retire from the sport just six weeks prior.
In a Twitter post at 7:13 pm EDT on Sunday, he wrote: “The last two months I have realized that my place is still on the field and not in the stands.
“That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates and I love my supportive family.
Brady’s “last” touchdown ball sold for $518,000 in an online auction over the weekend.
Hours after the auction, Brady announced his return to the NFL just six weeks after he said he was retiring.
“They make it all possible. I’m returning for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG.
His touchdown pass to Evans came with 3:20 left in the fourth quarter, cutting the Rams’ lead to 27–20.
However, they were unable to fight back as the Rams won 30–27 and then beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 in the Super Bowl.
This isn’t the first time Evans has thrown another touchdown to a Bucks fan.
According to Yahoo Sports, he threw the 600th touchdown of Brady’s career to a fan named Byron Kennedy.
Buccaneers personnel took to the stands to negotiate for his return, and Kennedy brought him back.
The next day, Brady told NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning on Monday Football that Kennedy “lost all his leverage as soon as he hit the ball.”
The value of the landmark ball was estimated to be between $500,000 and $750,000. It is now part of Brady’s personal trophy collection.
His first career touchdown pass to Terry Glenn of the New England Patriots was previously auctioned on the site last year for $428,841.
Brady is considered the best NFP player of all time, having won six Super Bowl titles in his career.
Brady’s 23rd season will be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent the previous two seasons after leaving the New England Patriots.
Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title following the 2020 season and the NFC South championship last season.
He spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles before moving to Tampa Bay.
The iconic 44-year-old quarterback drew the curtain on his illustrious 22-year career by announcing his retirement on February 1st.
The quarterback stunned the world on Sunday when he confirmed he would rejoin the Pirates for a new campaign after 40 days in retirement.
However, his decision may not be all that surprising given that just a week later he “retired” as Brady said “never say never” about playing again.
He made the comeback announcement hours after he shared a photo of himself visiting Manchester United’s training ground at Old Trafford and meeting legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brady (right) was pictured next to Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo hours before his announcement.
Brady announced his decision to retire last month, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife Gisele Bündchen and their three children. Brady posted the photo above when he announced his comeback.
The 44-year-old led the NFL in passing (5,316 yards), touchdowns (43), completions (485) and attempts (719) in 2021, but the Buccaneers lost at home to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.
Brady announced his decision to return to the Bucks the day before the start of the NFL free agent period.
When he announced his retirement, Brady cited his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and three children when he decided to retire from acting.
“I’ve always believed that football is a complex proposition: if you don’t have 100 percent commitment to the competition, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.” Brady wrote on February 1st.
“Every day I undergo a physical, mental and emotional challenge that allows me to reach my maximum potential. And I’ve tried my best for the last 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.”
“It’s hard for me to write this, but here it is: I am no longer going to make these competitive commitments. I enjoyed my NFL career and now it’s time to focus my time and energy on other things that need my attention.”
Brady signed a one-year, $25 million contract extension after leading the Bucks to Super Bowl victory last year. This deal included a $20 million signing bonus, of which $15 million was due to be paid to him in February.
The details of his deal for the 2022 season remain unclear.