Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly ashamed of how this season is going, as they want to ensure Tom Brady has the send off he deserves.
The Buccaneers quarterback initially retired at the end of last season, but went back on his original decision to continue his legacy and try win yet another Super Bowl. But it's not exactly gone to plan for Brady, as the Buccaneers are 5-6 for the season.
Brady's personal stats have been okay, but the Buccaneers are at real risk of missing out on the post-season. And Tampa Bay star Tristan Wirfs has spoken about his disappointment that things have not gone to plan.
Wirfs is expected to miss three to four weeks with an ankle sprain he picked up in the Buccaneers' recent loss to the Cleveland Browns, a crucial period in their season. But even when facing an injury, Wirfs told ESPN it was letting Brady down that hurt most.
The offensive tackle spoke about his regret that the season hasn't gone to plan so far, and with it potentially being Brady's last season, it would be a sad end to a great career. The Buccaneers are desperate to give Brady a proper send off, but they may have to hope he sticks around in order to do so.
Brady has already hinted this season that retirement isn't on the cards just yet, and even said part of his decision was not to let the Buccaneers down either. "I said that there's no immediate retirement in my future," Brady said on his 'Let's Go' podcast, via Pro Football Talk.
"There was a retirement in the past, but I moved on from that. I made a commitment to this team and I love this team and I love this organisation.
"I told them in March I was playing and I've never quit on anything in my life. And I know a bunch of teammates that we all count on one another to be at our best and to work hard and to put the team first.
"And that's what you commit to and that's what you want your teammates to commit to as well." It's not gone to plan this season, as injuries have hindered their offensive line, but Brady and his side will be hoping that they can scrape it together and make the play-offs.
It's yet to be seen if this will be Brady's last year, but even the 45-year-old won't want to go out like this. The 45-year-old has already agreed to join Fox Sports as part of their team of analysts for their NFL coverage, and that contract will start as soon as he decides to retire.
