The world of the NFL never really lets you retire, or so it seems for Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback whose name continues to dominate headlines even in retirement. Recently, a flutter of excitement buzzed through the sports community when Tom Brady hinted at a potential return to the field during an episode of the “DeepCut with VicBlends” podcast.
He casually mentioned not being opposed to playing for a contender in the upcoming 2024 season. This statement, understandably, set off a wave of speculation and analysis.
The Reality Check from Julian Edelman
Julian Edelman, a former teammate of Tom Brady’s at the New England Patriots and a three-time Super Bowl champion, offered his insights, which seem to lean more towards skepticism. Speaking to Ryan Morik of Fox News Digital, Edelman quipped, “No bro! The guy is in St. Tropez right now,” emphasizing the laid-back current lifestyle of Tom Brady.
He elaborated on the podcast’s context, explaining that the conversation was purely hypothetical, focusing on Brady’s confidence rather than a concrete plan for a comeback.
Tom Brady’s Competitive Fire Fueled by Patrick Mahomes?
The narrative around Brady’s potential return might be influenced not just by his statements but also by the recent accomplishments of Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback who has rapidly ascended the ranks to become a three-time Super Bowl champion and MVP.
Julian Edelman noted, “Patrick Mahomes is coming up on him. Maybe Tom comes back and sneaks another Super Bowl to separate himself.” This comment hints at the competitive spirit that might still linger in Brady, driven by Mahomes’s pursuit of the GOAT status that Brady holds.
Chris Mason’s Take, A Slim Chance
Chris Mason, a Patriots beat writer for MassLive, further dampens the enthusiasm for a Brady comeback. In a recent article, Mason assessed the likelihood of Brady returning to play post-47th birthday as “very, very, very unlikely,” setting the odds at about one percent. His rationale?
Tom Brady’s commitments off the field seem to anchor him away from the gridiron. Slated for induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame and his impending role as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, Brady appears to be laying down a future far from the physical demands of NFL gameplay.
Spencer Rattler on potentially being drafted by the #Patriots:
“It would mean a lot… Obviously, got a lot of respect for New England. Watched Tom Brady do so many great things coming up. I was around Troy Brown… it would mean a lot… getting picked anywhere is a blessing.”… pic.twitter.com/UmMcTNQqZc
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) April 20, 2024
Tom Brady’s Move Aims for Relevance
It’s worth pondering why Brady would stir this pot ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Mason, “There’s a level of attention stars in the NFL become accustomed to, and they often continue to seek a little spotlight after retirement.” This could very well be a strategic move by Brady to maintain a certain relevance in the sport’s media landscape, especially with his future media career in mind.
Tom Brady Comeback Speculation Sparks Excitement
While the prospect of Tom Brady donning his helmet once more is a tantalizing thought for fans, the reality remains grounded in the practicalities and priorities of his current life, which suggest that his playing days are indeed behind him.
Nonetheless, in the world of the NFL, where the unexpected can become reality, the whispers of a comeback, however faint, will always stir excitement. As the situation develops, all eyes will remain on Tom Brady, watching whether this speculation will fade away or turn into one of the most sensational comebacks in sports history.
Sources: Yardbarker
