Thunderbolt in the NFL: the legendary quarterback Tom Brady would be on the verge of announcing his retirement, at 44, at the end of his 22e season. However, as soon as the information was leaked, members of his close guard quickly took to the floor to deny it.
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The ESPN Network, through usually reliable informants Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington, was the first to report the news.
According to the pair, Brady is preparing to make his announcement right now. He would have chosen to hang up his shoulder pads for family reasons, while he is still in perfect health.
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He would also have considered the fact that the Buccaneers are in danger of undergoing a major transformation, due to many key players becoming free agents.
Brady would have preferred to wait until later, in order not to steal the spotlight from the four teams fighting today, in the conference finals, for their place in Super Bowl 56, on February 13.
But the quarterback reportedly mentioned he feared returning would turn the next season into a never-ending farewell tour.
The agent does not deny
For several years, Brady has been saying that he wants to play until at least 45 years old.
At his press briefing following last Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers, however, he was undecided regarding his future.
His agent, Don Yee, for his part published a press release which did not confirm the information which circulated, without however denying it.
“I understand that there is speculation regarding Tom’s future. Not to mention whether or not what’s being circulated is true, Tom will be the only person to voice his plans accurately. He understands the reality of the football business and the planning calendar [d’une équipe] more than anyone, so he will speak out soon,” he claimed.
Conflicting information
In the Brady clan, various stakeholders were quick to tackle the bomb of the day.
Her father, Tom Brady senior, vehemently denied the news.
“This story is just speculation. Tommy hasn’t made up his mind one way or the other. Anyone who says that his decision is made is absolutely wrong, ”he launched to various media who questioned him.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians agreed.
“He’s not even close to having decided. That’s what he told us, ”he replied to the ESPN network.
For his part, the informant Ian Rapoport, of NFL Network, assures that Brady has opted for retirement.
“My understanding, following discussions with several people close to Brady, is that he is indeed retiring. It’s a matter of timing. Brady is in charge and he controls his image. He often made his announcements himself, in a fantastically well-produced way,” he opined.
A great career
If Brady does opt for retirement, it’s hard to say he’s not leaving with a sense of accomplishment.
His seven Super Bowl wins, six with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers, are a record that will be hard to beat.
He was named Final Game Most Valuable Player five times and three times in the regular season.
The 199th pick in the 2000 draft holds countless records. In addition, he was selected 15 times to the Pro Bowl.
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