NFL legendary quarterback Tom Brady revealed his comeback to his teammates before going public earlier this month.
Brady called time on his iconic career in January, announcing that he was finally set to retire after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl titles. The news plunged the immediate future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into uncertainty, with a number of big name players out of contract.
Star receiver Chris Godwin was a major name with question marks over his future, as the front office needed to figure out which players to re-sign without knowing who their quarterback was going to be. But before free agency even started, Brady announced his return to the fore.
As a result, the Buccaneers were immediately brought back into the Super Bowl picture as key contenders in the upcoming 2022 season - and the players knew it. In fact, several players received notice of the news in advance, according to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine.
“Chris Godwin said he and Mike Evans found out Tom Brady was coming back about 20 minutes before he announced it,” Laine wrote on Twitter. “They have a group text with Brady and he told them, ‘I’m coming back!’”
FOX’s Sara Walsh also tweeted about how both Godwin and Mike Evans were thrilled upon receiving Brady’s text. “We were gassed up,” Godwin added according to Walsh. “We’re back and we’re trying to make it back to the top of the mountain.”
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Moments later, Brady’s return was official. It makes sense his receivers were excited about the news, given how the 44-year-old elevates the game of his teammates.
For Godwin, the news may have also earned him a highly sought-after new contract. The 26-year-old - who tore his ACL and sprained his MCL against the New Orleans Saints in December - had originally been given the franchise tag for the second successive season only for the Bucs to agree a three-year deal worth approximately £45 million with over £30m guaranteed at signing.
Ultimately, Godwin, Evans and the Bucs are winners in this situation. With Brady back, the team can focus on striving for more glory in 2022 - and their excitement was triggered by a simple text message.
