Tom Brady confirmed he is not thinking about retirement to ignite hopes of playing in the NFL for a 24th season.
The Buccaneers agonised to a 19-16 win over the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday, with kicker Ryan Succop making three field goals - including the winning kick. Meanwhile, Brady completed 32-of-48 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown to go with a pair of interceptions as he struggled once again.
The Buccaneers moved to 7-8 on the season thanks to the win and remarkably still sit atop the NFC South. If they win each of their next game, the Bucs will host a playoff game in the Wild Card round.
Brady is used to winning and reaching the playoffs easily, but the 2022 season has seen the seven-time Super Bowl champion struggle on a regular basis. Due to the issues faced by Brady and the Buccaneers, speculation has surrounded his future after he flirted with retirement earlier this year - but the 45-year-old appears to have confirmed he will return next season, even if it is with a new seam.
While on his Let’s Go! Podcast on Monday, Brady was asked if he contemplates retirement regularly at this stage of his career. Without hesitation, Brady replied: “I really don’t.”
Brady originally retired earlier this offseason but sensationally reversed his decision just 40 days later amid much fanfare. The seven-time Super Bowl champion instead returned for a 23rd season in the NFL, and his Buccaneers remain playoff hopefuls as they lead the NFC South.
He will be a free agent in the upcoming off-season for the second time in his illustrious career and there is no guarantee he will return to Florida with the Buccaneers, particularly after their stuttering season. Brady will be one of the most heralded free agents available amid rumours he could return to the New England Patriots or move back home to his boyhood San Francisco 49ers.
Brady will have plenty of suitors, but one thing is for sure: he will not do the same sensational U-turn of this past off-season. On his podcast, Brady declared: “Well, I think next time I decide to retire, that’s it for me, so whenever that day comes, we’ll figure it out.
“I think what I really realised last year was you got to be really sure to do that. And for me, you know, a lot of people have kind of gone through this situation… I’m going to take my time whenever that time does come.”
The Bucs may have struggled throughout the season, but Brady still - somehow - has a shot of securing an eighth Super Bowl ring. If they defeat the 6-9 Panthers on New Year’s Day, the Bucs will secure the NFC South title and book their place in the playoffs before wrapping up the regular season against the Falcons in Atlanta on January 8.
