LAS VEGAS – The possibility of a stunning return to the NFL for Tom Brady has been effectively shut down by league officials, according to the seven-time Super Bowl champion himself. Brady, 48, revealed he inquired about rejoining the league, but the NFL was not receptive to the idea. The news comes as Brady continues to explore options following his official retirement in February 2023, and amidst his growing role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I actually have inquired,” Brady said to CNBC, as reported by multiple outlets. “They don’t like that idea very much. I’m gonna leave it at that. We explored a lot of different things. I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
Raiders Ownership Complicates Potential Return
The primary obstacle to Brady’s potential comeback stems from his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL’s rules regarding financial interests in teams and player eligibility create a conflict of interest. According to a CNBC report, a league spokesperson indicated that allowing an active player to simultaneously hold team ownership could create complications with the salary cap.
This isn’t the first time Brady has flirted with the idea of un-retirement. He initially announced his retirement in 2022, only to reverse course 40 days later and play another season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, this latest attempt to return to the field appears to be definitively blocked by the league’s regulations.
A Flag Football Reminder of Brady’s Skill
Despite his contentment with retirement, Brady recently showcased his still-impressive arm talent at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic last weekend. Quarterbacking the Founders FFC squad, Brady connected with Stefon Diggs for a touchdown pass, reminding fans of his exceptional skills. “I loved being out there playing in the flag game,” Brady told CNBC. “I loved not getting hit. I’ve got a lot of really fun things I’m involved in. It’s never going to get old throwing passes to incredible athletes on the football field, but if anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happily in my retirement.”
While the flag football game served as a nostalgic reminder of Brady’s playing days, it appears a return to the NFL is not in the cards. The league’s stance, coupled with his ownership position with the Raiders, effectively closes the door on another comeback.
Brady’s Illustrious Career
Tom Brady’s career is widely considered the greatest in NFL history. He led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories and added another with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the league. Throughout his 23 seasons, Brady amassed numerous accolades, including five Super Bowl MVP awards and three NFL Most Valuable Player awards. He holds several NFL records for passing yards and touchdowns, cementing his place among the all-time greats.
His initial retirement in February 2023 was met with widespread emotion from fans and analysts alike, marking the end of an era. While the possibility of a second un-retirement briefly sparked excitement, the NFL’s decision brings a definitive close to that chapter.
For now, Brady remains focused on his business ventures and family life, while continuing to enjoy the game from a different perspective. The NFL, meanwhile, moves forward with a new generation of quarterbacks vying for supremacy.
The next step for Brady will be continuing his role as a minority owner of the Raiders, and focusing on his broadcasting career with a long-term contract with Fox Sports awaiting him in the future. The NFL season will continue as scheduled, with teams preparing for the upcoming draft and offseason workouts.
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