Tom Brady recently expressed that he is “not opposed” to the idea of returning to the NFL should an opportunity arise.
The former New England Patriots quarterback made the statement during an appearance on the “DeepCut with VicBlends” podcast.
Tom Brady was asked by the host if he would consider returning to the league if a team were to reach out to him due to injuries or other circumstances.
“I’m not opposed to it,” he said. “I don’t know if they are going to let me if I become an owner of an NFL team. I’m always going to be in good shape. I’ll always be able to throw the ball.”
“So, to come in for a little bit, like MJ [Michael Jordan] coming back, I don’t know if they would let me,” Brady continued. “But I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to it”
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 11, 2024
Tom Brady on a possible return to the NFLpic.twitter.com/CjD8uFBmHw
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Could Tom Brady Return To The NFL?
Tom Brady’s comments have sparked significant interest and speculation about a potential comeback. Especially, given his illustrious career and his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Is it likely, though? Brady is currently 46 years old and will be 47 by the time the NFL schedule kicks into gear.
Additionally, in reference to the ownership comments, the league is currently reviewing an agreement between the 7-time Super Bowl champion and Raiders owner Mark Davis to join that organization’s ownership group.
Not to mention his planned role as a sports broadcaster at Fox Sports this summer.
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Come In Like MJ
With Tom Brady’s reference to Michael Jordan, it seems he believes it a foregone conclusion that any return he makes would be a successful one.
Not all who have come out of retirement have been so fortunate, however. Here is a quick rundown of athletes who have retired only to try and make a spectacular comeback. We’ll start with MJ for the purposes of this list:
Michael Jordan
Jordan retired in 1993 to play baseball and returned in 1995, winning three more of his six total NBA championships.
He retired again in 1999 but later returned as a player for the Washington Wizards in 2001. That return wasn’t nearly as successful. Still, in an injury-plagued 2001–02 season, Jordan led the team in scoring (22.9 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (1.4 spg).
He played all 82 games in the 2002-03 season, averaging 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Jordan’s final retirement from playing was in 2003.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux retired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1997 due to health reasons – including a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – but would make his return to the NHL in 2000.
Lemieux had been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame during his retirement. His return to active play after a 44-month hiatus was marked by a triumphant performance on December 27, 2000, against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Lemieux scored a goal just 33 seconds into his first shift, and he finished the game with a goal and two assists in a 5-0 victory for the Penguins.
His comeback season was impressive, with Lemieux scoring 76 points (35 goals, 41 assists) in just 43 games.
Brett Favre
Brett Favre seemed like he was constantly debating retirement for several seasons. He initially retired from the NFL in 2008 after a 17-year career with the Green Bay Packers, but would later apply for reinstatement and was traded to the New York Jets.
After starting hot – including a 6 touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals – the team and he fizzled out. The Jets lost four of the last five games of the season, with Favre thring 8 interceptions and only 2 touchdown passes during that span.
Favre again announced his retirement from the league only to return and play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. He would lead the team to a competitive season that culminated in an NFC Championship Game appearance.
The Vikings would ultimately lose in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints.
Favre’s return to the Vikings in 2010 was marked by a decline in performance, with the team finishing 6-10. His season was cut short due to injuries. In January 2011, Favre officially filed retirement papers with the NFL, ending his 20-year career.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA on November 7, 1991, due to testing positive for HIV, a moment that shocked the basketball world and the public at large.
Despite this, Johnson made a triumphant return to the NBA All-Star Game in 1992, winning the MVP award by recording 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. It was one of the more memorable moments in sports.
Magic later briefly returned to play for the Lakers in the 1995-96 season. He appeared in 32 games, averaging 14.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. The team would be ousted from the playoffs in the first round by the Houston Rockets.
He would retire permanently in the summer of 1996.
Is Tom Brady serious about a return? Maybe. If anybody could be a serviceable backup for a team needing an injury replacement, it’d be the NFL GOAT.
Would his return look like post-baseball MJ? Or Wizards MJ?
There’s only one way to find out.
