Tom Brady ‘wouldn’t oppose’ NFL return, mentions Patriots originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
After already coming out of retirement once, Tom Brady announced last year he stopped playing football “for good”. Now, at age 46, he is apparently reconsidering that claim.
Brady teased a possible return to the NFL during his appearance on “Deep cuts with VicBlends.” In doing so, the legendary Patriots quarterback even mentioned New England as a possible landing spot. Here’s how the trade went:
VicBlends: “Let’s say one day there is a situation. Maybe it’s the (San Francisco) 49ers, maybe you know going into the playoffs, the offense is great —”
Brady: “Patriots. Could be Raiders, could be, you never know.”
VicBlends: “God forbid anyone should fall. Would you answer that phone?”
Brady: “I’m not opposed to that. I don’t know if they’ll let me if I become an owner of an NFL team. I don’t know. I’ll always be in good shape, I’ll always be able to throw the ball, so. To get in a little bit, like (Michael Jordan) coming back? I don’t know if they would let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
Watch the clip below:
Let the speculation begin.
Patriots fans shouldn’t get too excited. Brady is about to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and, as he mentions in the interview, league rules would prevent him to play while being part owner of an NFL team.
Even if Brady returns to the field as a candidate, the Patriots likely won’t be an option. New England holds the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – where he is expected to select his next franchise QB — and appears to be at least a year or two away from competing for a playoff spot.
As fun as it is to think, another Brady return is highly unlikely. The seven-time Super Bowl champion will shift his focus to the broadcast booth, where he will serve as FOX’s lead color commentator beginning next season. He will return to Gillette Stadium for his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame on June 12th.
