Tom Brady is returning to the NFL after weeks of speculation about his status.
The Buccaneers quarterback announced his decision Sunday on Twitter, saying he "realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands."
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
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Brady's retirement lasted just 40 days. He returned to the Bucs on eve of free agency, less than 24 hours before the NFL's legal free-agent tampering period begins.
Brady's decision shocked the NFL world, but perhaps it shouldn't have. TB12 had hinted multiple times that his playing days were not over. Some of his former teammates, including Rob Gronkowski, offered similar thoughts when asked about Brady's future.
Most recently, a video of Brady speaking with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo after Brady attended Manchester United's match against Tottenham on Saturday circulated on social media. Ronaldo appeared to ask Brady if his career was over. It turns out the face Brady made after being asked that question said all we needed to know.
Tom Brady has a video on his Instagram story of him talking to Cristiano Ronaldo:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2022
Cristiano: “You’re finished, right?”
The face Brady makes in response.... pic.twitter.com/qJq7QSjSXP
Just over a day after that conversation, Brady broke the news of his return to the NFL, so it seems as if he knew he would be returning when spoke with Ronaldo.
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Now Brady will look to lead the Bucs to another Super Bowl title. He also is poised to become the oldest NFL quarterback to start a game. He will be the first player 45 or older to start at the position. Brady will turn 45 on Aug. 3.
