On March 13, 2022, Tom Brady announced that he will be rejoining the Buccaneers for the 2022 NFL season after presumably retiring last February. He shared his “un-retirement” on Instagram last Sunday, posting the caption,
“These past two months I have 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. Without them, none of this is possible.
“I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. We have unfinished business.
“LFG.”
Brady’s return came as a shock to American sports fans. After playing 22 NFL seasons and clenching his seventh Super Bowl title with the Buccaneers in 2021, Brady’s retirement was predicted by many. Fewer, however, assumed his retirement would last a mere six weeks.
In February, Brady announced his retirement because he was no longer able to make the “competitive commitment” to professional football and had to “focus [his] time and energy on other things that required [his] attention.” His change of heart came 40 days later.
Naturally, the world fled to Twitter to share their thoughts on the quarterback’s return.
“Tom Brady faking his retirement to hear all the nice things people have to say about him is big Leo energy,” one person tweeted.
Another person joked, “I’m also not retiring from whatever it is that I do.”
Talk show hosts also turned to viewers to share their opinions on Brady’s return.
“Tom Brady is like your friend who announces she’s quitting Instagram and then posts something three hours later,” quipped Jimmy Kimmel.
Jimmy Fallon also mentioned Brady on his show: “That’s right, Tom Brady is back, and once again he made history as the first person to ever move to Florida and un-retire.”
Despite these reactions, Brady’s family has stayed loyal to the quarterback’s decision. Brady’s dad, Tom Brady Sr., reassured that Brady’s return “is the path forward that works best for the Brady family,” also adding that Brady is “as happy as can be…it just took a little bit of time to sort this thing out.”
At 44 years old, Brady threw for a career-high 5,316 passing yards last season, with 12 interceptions and 43 touchdowns. Regardless of his age, it appears the quarterback is only improving his game for next season.
How do you feel about Brady’s “un-retirement?” Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, with your thoughts!
