Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady was noncommittal about his future after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 31-14 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Wild Card playoffs on Monday.
When asked about his plans moving forward, Brady responded, “I’m going to head home and get some rest tonight. I’ve been focusing on this game, so it’s really about taking it one day at a time.”
In February 2022, the 45-year-old quarterback initially retired from the NFL, only to reverse his decision a few weeks later and return for a 23rd season.
During a December podcast with sportscaster Jim Gray, Brady was humorously questioned about the possibility of retiring and unretiring if tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has retired twice, returned to the game. Brady responded with a laugh, “When I decide to retire next time, that will be it for me. We’ll deal with that when it happens.”
In Monday’s game, Brady threw for 351 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. The Bucs only scored in the third quarter when Brady connected with wide receiver Julio Jones for a 30-yard touchdown pass as the quarter ended, making the score 24-6.
Prior to this game, Brady had only been held scoreless in the first half of a playoff game once, during his first postseason appearance in the 2001/02 season against the Oakland Raiders.
Brady, who will be out of contract with the Bucs once the season concludes, expressed his gratitude: “I love this organization. It’s been a great place for me. I’m thankful for the support and hope I’ve reciprocated it.”
Drafted 199th overall by the Patriots in the 2000 NFL draft, Brady spent 20 seasons with New England before signing with the Bucs in 2020, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. Last season, the Bucs were eliminated in the Divisional playoffs by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams.