NFL
Tom Brady “not opposed” to NFL playing return: which two teams could he play for?
Patriots icon Brady is due to join Fox Sports as a broadcaster for the 2024 season and become minority owner of the Raiders.
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady has teased a playing return to the NFL, less than 15 months after he officially announced that he was retiring from American football “for good”.
The 46-year-old appeared on the season premiere of the “Deep Cut with Vic Blends” podcast, in which he was interviewed by Blends while getting his hair trimmed.
And Brady revealed he is “not opposed” to getting his playing gear back on, contradicting his words in another recent podcast appearance in which he claimed his days out on the field were “behind” him.
What did Brady say about a possible NFL comeback?
“I’m always gonna be in good shape, I’ll always be able to throw the ball. So to come in for a little bit, like M.J. coming back? I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” the seven-time Super Bowl champion responded when asked about the chances of him being involved in the 2024 season.
Whether he would be allowed is, of course, of crucial importance, with two potential obstacles in the way.
What obstacles stand in Brady’s way of a return?
The New England Patriot icon’s Brady group is on track to become a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, with the former quarterback himself expected to contribute 7% of the total investment. If approval is ultimately given, NFL rules would then require every team in the league to agree to him being allowed to play, which may not be a given.
Additionally, the California native has signed a reported 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports, which will see him join their broadcast team next season. Getting out of such a deal would be easier said than done and Brady has previously spoken about his desire to do his best in his new role.
Which two teams did Brady say he could play for?
However, his words towards the end of his podcast appearances suggest a playing return is still tempting, and he revealed which two teams he would be most likely join, which will surprise few.
“Patriots? Could be. Raiders? Could be. You never know.”
Were Brady to return next season, by which time he will be 47, he would be just a year younger than George Blanda, the oldest NFL player in history, who played from 1949 to 1975. Could that be yet another record for him to set his sights on?