Tom Brady retired from the NFL after 22 seasons on Feb. 1, 2022. It was presumed at the time of that decision that Brady's choice to call it quits was related to his age (44), family and other pursuits and businesses off the field.
But did it have to do more with a "souring" relationship with Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians? At least one of Brady's former teammates thinks so.
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That would be Rich Ohrnberger, an offensive lineman who played with Brady on the Patriots from 2009 through 2011. Ohrnberger, now a radio host and football analyst, took to Twitter to report that Brady and Arians' relationship was frayed at the end of their time together in Tampa Bay.
Heard some interesting things recently... The Tom Brady & Bruce Arians honeymoon was over in Tampa. The retirement announcement wasn't because of the trouble seeing eye to eye on the offensive game planning, but the relationship was souring.
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) February 18, 2022
Additionally, Ohrnberger outlined that Brady was working more closely with Byron Leftwich as the season went along. However, the duo felt that their game planning was "undermined" by Arians, as Ohrnberger explained.
Apparently, while Arians was rehabbing the achilles in the early mornings, offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Brady would work on the week's game plan. Arians would later come in and take the red pen to work they'd done. The QB and OC felt undermined, there was tension.
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) February 18, 2022
Ohrnberger's report is the latest to indicate that Brady either may not have wanted to retire or may consider coming back. Rob Gronkowski and Brandon Bolden were among Brady's former teammates that have indicated publicly that they believe he could eventually return to the NFL.
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Even Brady said "never say never" when broaching the topic of a potential return to the NFL. That said, he also said he was happy with his current decision, so it doesn't seem like a return is imminent.
Maybe things will change if Arians calls it quits or if the Buccaneers agree to let Brady play somewhere else in 2022. For now, though, everything surrounding Brady is just speculative. He remains retired and the Buccaneers need to prepare as if he will not play for them ahead of the 2022 NFL season.
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