Tom Brady ends retirement to play for Tampa next season

Seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady abruptly said he would end his brief retirement on Sunday, announcing his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a 23rd NFL season just six weeks after hanging up his cleats.

Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands his hat to a fan after beating the Philadelphia Eagles 31-15 in an NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

44-year old Tom Brady, who had established himself as one of the greatest players in American football league history, has returned nearly 2 months after announcing his retirement to say that his place is “still on the field and not in the stands."

In a statement on his official Twitter account, he said "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."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and National Football League (NFL) have both expressed joy at Brady’s return.

Tampa head coach Bruce Arians said he was "ecstatic" about the development.

"As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field," Arians said. "He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season."

Reuters has suggested that Brady was inspired to make a comeback after watching another sporting great, Cristiano Ronaldo, score a hat trick in Manchester United's 3-2 Premier League win on Saturday over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Brady spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowls before moving to Tampa Bay and leading the Bucs to a championship in his first season with the team.

Brady's decision to retire on February 1 was not unexpected but came after the future Hall of Famer had enjoyed one of the best seasons of his long career.

Last season Brady was a top contender for what would have been a fourth most valuable player award after leading the NFL in touchdown passes and passing yards.

Following news of his 'un-retirement,' the Bucs are now favoured to win the NFC next season and Brady is tied for third with Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen to win the MVP award, according to Caesars Sportsbook. (Reuters)