The most accomplished quarterback in NFL history will make a dramatic return to the sport. After spending just over a month as a retired football player, Tom Brady announced a shocking decision to unretire and play in the 2022 NFL season.
Brady revealed his decision via social media, writing on Twitter that he’ll return for his 23rd season as a pro with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 44-year-old spent the past two seasons as a member of the Buccaneers and led the franchise to a Super Bowl win in 2020.
“These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” Brady explained. “That time will come. But it’s not now.”
The reports about Tom Brady’s retirement surfaced shortly after the Buccaneers were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the 2021 NFL Playoffs. Brady went on to officially retire on February 1st, saying he wants to spend more time with his family and focus on other endeavors.
Despite the confirmation, however, many believed that Brady could still end up changing his mind as the 2022 season approaches. The rumors about his potential comeback were later intensified by the Bucs’ brass, who said there was a door open for Brady to return and that the franchise would take him back in a heartbeat.
It turned out that Tampa Bay’s general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians remained in touch with Brady and were ready to act when the seven-time Super Bowl winner decided he wants to continue playing.
“Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around,” Arians said in a statement. “As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field.”
Brady had one of the most productive seasons in his career in 2021, throwing a career-high 5,316 passing yards alongside 43 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Bucs’ finished the regular season with a 13-4 record.
