Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Tampa Bay fans know better than anyone that Tom Brady has never been great at staying away from the field. And this week, the Buccaneers legend admitted he at least explored the idea of another NFL comeback. In an interview released Thursday, Brady said he looked into whether a minority owner could return to play — only to learn the league wasn’t interested in opening that door. The seven‑time Super Bowl champion insisted he is “very happily retired,” but anytime Brady even hints at a return, Florida listens.
Brady says the NFL rejected the idea of a comeback
Brady told CNBC that he and his team researched whether he could play again while holding a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. According to Brady, the league “didn’t like that idea very much,” effectively ending the conversation before it could gain traction. He emphasized that he is content in retirement, but acknowledged that he “explored a lot of different things” before the NFL made its stance clear.
Florida remembers Brady’s first retirement — and his second
Brady’s comments naturally stirred memories in Tampa Bay, where he briefly retired in 2022 before returning 40 days later to lead the Buccaneers for one final season. His official retirement came in February 2023, closing a three‑year run in Tampa that delivered a Super Bowl championship and transformed the franchise’s national profile. Even now, Brady remains one of the most influential figures in Florida sports.
Brady still draws a crowd on the field
Brady recently took part in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles, teaming with Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith, Stefon Diggs and Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. He also reunited with Rob Gronkowski, giving fans a nostalgic flashback to their Tampa Bay and New England days. Brady’s competitiveness and sharp play in the event fueled speculation about whether he still had the itch — even if the NFL has closed the door.
What’s next for Brady?
Brady continues to build his post‑playing portfolio through broadcasting, business ventures and his ownership role with the Raiders. While his comments sparked headlines, he reiterated that he is committed to retirement. For now, the NFL’s position appears firm: minority owners cannot return to the field, even if that owner is the most decorated quarterback in league history — and the man who delivered Tampa Bay its second Lombardi Trophy.
