Superstar Quarterback Tom Brady Addresses Return Speculation

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is really, truly, seriously done with football. For real. With rumors of a return swirling, the future Hall of Famer spoke with Sports Illustrated's Robin Lundberg to tell the world he is certain he's not playing again.

Tom Brady is not coming back, from Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/1DrYsyfAkl
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) June 1, 2023

Brady recently finalized a deal to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Simultaneously, news emerged that recently acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could be released without financial penalty due to his current foot injury. Those two facts ignited extensive speculation that the Raiders were clearing the way for a dramatic comeback from the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Brady toiled through the only losing season of his NFL career in 2022, and his Bucs were promptly swept out of the playoffs in dominant fashion by the Dallas Cowboys. Still, there should be little doubt the GOAT remained an effective quarterback; his 4694 passing yards ranked third in the league and he earned a respectable 79.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. That level of play could help a lot of teams, including the Raiders.

Still, Brady appears content to walk away from football with his head held relatively high. And why not? He has already established an unassailable legacy as one of team sports' greatest athletes and has set countless records that will stand for decades. Plus, he'll have every opportunity to remain close to the game he loves as an owner and broadcaster.