Report: Tom Brady could be back to play in 2023
It's been a tough year for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, but apparently not so tough that he's ready to retire the moment the season is over.
According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, "all options are on the table" as far as the 45-year-old's future. Brady, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, reportedly "feels good enough to keep playing," which is not a small consideration when you'll be starting your 24th season at age 46 and some of your teammates will be starting their first season at age 22.
Brady's tough season
Brady has struggled with a few injuries this year, but most noticeably he's looked miserable. He's yelled at coaches, barked at teammates, and has generally looked like he's having the worst time of his career. The Bucs have also struggled, losing five of their first eight games (though they've bounced back, winning three of their last four).
Brady hasn't really commented on his state of mind, though for the first time in recent memory, non-football issues have added new challenges. He surprisingly announced his retirement in February, then took it all back just 40 days later. Changing his mind on retirement set off a torrent of rumors about the state of his 13-year marriage with model Gisele Bundchen. In October, the two announced they were divorcing.
Where Brady could go is the big question. He could stay with the Buccaneers, who play just a four-hour drive (or a one hour plane flight) from Miami, where he's building a mansion and where Gisele just bought a mansion in the same neighborhood. He's been connected with the San Francisco 49ers for years since he grew up in the Bay Area, and he could return home if the Niners want to dedicate next season solely to winning the Super Bowl. Because that's what likely matters most to Brady: winning another Super Bowl.
If Brady decides to retire, it's possible he could take a year off, or he could jump right into the job that's already waiting for him: NFL color commentator for Fox Sports. But as Brady has shown us, he has a hard time just walking away. No one knows what Brady's future in the NFL might look like, and right now, that might include him.