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Tom Brady Is Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Contenders Again
Tom Brady is rejoining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFL’s 2022 season. After announcing his retirement at the end of the last season, Brady had a change of heart after a month. He said he wants another go at the NFL for some “unfinished business.”
RELATED: Super Bowl LV: Brady Proves Why He Is Still the GOAT
Tom Brady Is Back
Brady announced his return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via Twitter. The seven-time Super Bowl champion said that he’s not yet ready to hang up his cleats.
“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.”
Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl during the 2020 season with Brady leading the team. Last year, their quest to repeat as champions came to a crashing halt during the NFC divisional playoffs. The Bucs' loss to the eventual champions Los Angeles Rams on a late-game score of 30-27.
During the 2021 season, the 44-year old Brady showed he’s got more in the tank left. He completed 67.5% of his passes for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns.
In contrast, he only gave up just 12 interceptions. In fact, Brady placed runner-up to the eventual Most Valuable Player, the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Welcome Back Brady
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians issued a statement Sunday.”Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around.
As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field. He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season.
We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship,” he said.
Brady earlier said that he’s retiring after the 2021 season. When he announced his decision last February 1, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said they’re open to his return.
“We are thrilled that Tom has decided to come back this season. We said we would leave all options open for him should he reconsider his retirement,” Licht said. “Today's announcement is something we have been preparing for in recent days.”
Brady’s Decision Makes The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Contenders Again
Licht said that he had plenty of conversations with Arians about the possibility of Brady coming back to Tampa Bay. “Tom is the greatest quarterback of all time who is still playing at an elite level,” he noted.
With the future Hall of Famer back in the field, Tampa Bay just became an instant contender again. “We will continue to move forward with our offseason plans to reload this roster for another championship run,” Licht added.
Meanwhile, Arians himself professed surprise that Brady decided to return. He said that when he talked to the quarterback about another run, Brady “slammed it shut.”
While Brady's return elevates the Buccaneers back to contender status for 2022, the team will need some work. A number of key players are heading towards free agency beginning this Wednesday.
This includes cornerback Carlton Davis, running back Leonard Fournette, and outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul.
In addition, defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston and tight end Rob Gronkowski are also free agents. Thankfully, another free agent, center Ryan Jensen, signed a three-year deal to return to Tampa Bay.
Watch the official NFL video announcement: Tom Brady IS BACK:
Loading ...Do you think Tom Brady still has enough juice for an eight championship ring? Also, what do you think are Tampa Bay’s chances to make it to the Super Bowl?
Tell us what you think about Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Share your thoughts below.
