Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady may be happily retired, but the idea of a return to the NFL hasn’t been entirely off the table, at least in theory. The former quarterback recently revealed that he explored the possibility of coming back, only to be met with resistance from the league.
Tom Brady on how NFL reacted to his comeback idea
Speaking to CNBC Sport, Brady shared that he had inquired about returning as a player while maintaining his minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the response from the league was far from encouraging.
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady said. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired.”
According to an NFL spokesperson, Brady would need to give up his ownership stake before returning to the field. The rule stems from a 2023 policy that prohibits active players or team employees from holding equity in a franchise. The spokesperson also noted that a player-owner scenario could create complications with the league’s salary cap structure.
Brady’s comments come shortly after he participated in a Fanatics flag football game, where he threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While the moment reignited excitement among fans, Brady admitted it ultimately reinforced his decision to stay retired.
“If anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement,” he said.
Since stepping away from professional football, Brady has taken on a strategic advisory role with the Raiders. As a minority owner, he contributes to discussions around personnel and coaching decisions while supporting the team’s long-term vision.
“I want to see everyone succeed… bring a winning kind of a culture to Las Vegas,” Brady explained.
While a comeback may intrigue fans, Brady made it clear that his focus remains firmly on life after football.
