The NFL rule preventing Tom Brady making a shock return aged 48

NFL teams have been known to turn to some unlikely players when they need a short-term replacement. But the shock news that 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers is returning to the league still came as a major surprise.

Rivers has not played in the NFL since 2020 but he was been signed by the Indianapolis Colts to provide cover for injured quarterback Riley Leonard. The 44-year-old Rivers could get a start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, becoming one of the oldest NFL players of all time.

That news has sparked talk about which other veteran stars could return to the league if a team was in need. Quickly thoughts turned to Tom Brady, the legendary seven-time Super Bowl winner who was famed for his longevity during his playing career.

This week Brady gave an interview to Colin Cowherd in which he was asked whether he could still cut in in the NFL at the age of 48. His answer was delivered without hesitation.

“Yes, I certainly could,” Brady replied. “I think the answer for me would be yes.”

However a recent rule change means that he would be barred from taking to the field, unless he was to make some drastic moves with his post-playing investments. Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, meaning that he is unable to register in the NFL as a player.

Strangely, that rule was only introduced in 2023 when new NFL policy dictated that ‘employees’ are not allowed to have an ownership stake in the team. Previously, an owner could theoretically have suited up if 24 of the league’s 32 owners approved it.

Instead, Brady will have to live vicariously through Rivers this weekend as the veteran prepares for a stunning return. Speaking this week Brady was full of praise for Rivers, saying: “It speaks to how much he loves the game and really what he’s able to do still.”

“This game is about, for the quarterback, from the neck up,” he continued. “That doesn’t really go away. That’s still up there. Do you still have the physical ability to still do it, take the hits, make the throws. If Philip has been practicing those things, then we’re all going to see it on full display in Seattle on Sunday afternoon.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.