Tom Brady took to social media to announce his retirement from the NFL- again. His first retirement speech came via photo montage and text; this time, it was an actual video. While Brady has announced his retirement, he will still be an active player until it is finalized through the team and league office.
Truly grateful on this day. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2s2sezvSS
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2023
“You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year,” a teary-eyed Brady said in the video.
What does that mean for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Suppose Brady’s retirement doesn’t go into effect until after June 1, 2023. In that case- the Buccaneers can spread his $35M cap hit over multiple seasons, rendering the salary cap hell a little more manageable.
The Buccaneers went from missing the playoffs year after year to become the first team in NFL history to play in the Super Bowl at their home stadium in a flash. After hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the Buccaneers also became the first Super Bowl-winning team to return all 22 starters from it’s championship roster in 2021.
After just 50 games, Brady finds his name toward the top of many all-time Bucs lists.
Passing Yards
- Jameis Winston (72 games) 19,737 yards
- Vinny Testaverde (76 games) 14,820 yards
- Tom Brady (50 games) 14,643 yards
Passing Touchdowns
- Jameis Winston (72 games) 121
- Tom Brady (50 games) 108
Passer Rating (100 att minimum)
- Tom Brady (2062 att) 98.1
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (409 att) 94.7
- Jeff Garcia (703 att) 92.2
Surely, Brady will be a first-ballot selection into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028. As the main stakeholder during the Buccaneers franchise turnaround, he will likely be inducted into the Ring of Honor, and some fans are even calling for a statue. You often see a team go “all in” on a player, and it fails. However, the Buccaneers gamble on Brady paid off and made the franchise a true destination for free agents. Now, it’s time for Buccaneers fans to trust in Jason Licht and Bruce Arians to work their magic and keep this star-studded Buccaneers roster in the conversation of being a contender for years to come.
