Tom Brady gave a blunt four-word response to rule out a return to the New England Patriots before the legendary quarterback announced his NFL retirement this week.
On Wednesday, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 23 seasons. He won seven Super Bowls over an illustrious career that spanned two decades with the New England Patriots - where he won six of his championships - and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady will forever be remembered as a Patriot rather than a Buccaneer as he is more synonymous with that franchise amid the success and longevity. New England owner Robert Kraft is close with the 45-year-old and even urged the icon to sign a one-day deal to ceremonially retire as a member of the team.
The Pats dynasty - fuelled by the trifecta of Brady, Belichick and Kraft - is regarded as one of the greatest in sports history. New England reached the Super Bowl on nine occasions, winning six championships during that period as well as 16 AFC East division titles.
Famously, no NFL coach demands more of his players than defensive mastermind Bill Belichick, who took the reins of the Pats back in 2000. His no-nonsense, business-like method meshed well with Brady’s unrelenting dedication to his craft, creating the most successful quarterback-head coach tandem in NFL history.
According to NFL insider Dov Kleiman, Brady wanted no part of any potential reunion with the Patriots despite his success with the franchise. When a return to New England was suggested for the quarterback to close out his career, Brady reportedly quickly said: “No, that ain’t happening.”
The news is perhaps unsurprising given the reported animosity between Belichick and Brady, whose relationship seemed to deteriorate as time went on. The seven-time champion was far more charismatic during his three years in Tampa than in New England, so he may have been exhausted by the dedicated atmosphere at the Patriots franchise.
Brady was linked with moves to the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins as well as the Patriots before he decided to retire. He was reportedly interested in teaming up with elite head coach Sean Payton before he decided to go to the Denver Broncos, who already have Russell Wilson under centre.
Brady left the Patriots after the 2019 season, signing for the Bucs where he was reunited with Rob Gronkowski. The duo starred as Tampa Bay crushed the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, giving Brady a remarkable seventh championship.
Brady returned to Foxborough during the 2021 regular season, leading the Bucs to a tight win over the Patriots. Belichick, considered by many to be the greatest coach in NFL history, released a statement after Brady’s retirement was announced, which read: “Tom Brady was the ultimate winner.
“He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare and leaves as the most successful player in league history. His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike. Tom was a true professional who carried himself with class and integrity throughout his career. I thank Tom for the positive impact he had on me and on the Patriots and congratulate him on his amazing career.”
