17 March 2023 , 19:40
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Retired NFL great Tom Brady has shut down the possibility of returning for a second time after rumours claimed he could make a comeback, with two destinations named as Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.
The 45-year-old is officially a free agent following his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers expiring, and despite retiring for the second time, Brady could sign with any team, at any time. He can also talk to any team, at any time.
Reports linked Brady with an instant return to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and the 49ers being name dropped. However, the seven-time Super Bowl champion remains clear that his time playing football is up.
Brady initially shut down rumours, taking to social media with a comical response. “Anyone who thinks I have time to come back to the NFL has never adopted a 2 month old kitten for their daughter," Brady said.
And the three-time NFL MVP has again reiterated that he wants to stay retired while speaking at his “unofficial retirement” party on Thursday in Tampa, Florida.
Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL "for good" after 23 seasons
When asked what the future holds, Brady declared: “There is nothing I love more than football, but I have young children [Jack, 15, Benjamin, 13, and Vivian, 10] and they watched enough of their dad’s games and it's time for me to watch their games.”
Tom Brady says it's his turn to watch his children's football games (Getty Images)Los Angeles Rams free agent quarterback Baker Mayfield will be replacing Brady at the Buccaneers after reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal worth up to $8.5million (£7m).
Mayfield, 27, will fill in the gap left by Brady. Mayfield is likely to have the stamp of approval by Brady, with the pair appearing to be good friends off the field. Brady has been seen in Mayfield’s Instagram comments, and the pair have had a number of playful back and forths online.
Mayfield had a tough 2022 season. He was traded by the Browns and joined the Carolina Panthers following the acquisition of Deshaun Watson - but failed to make an impact in the seven games he played. The Panthers then cut Mayfield per the players' request in early December. The next day, Mayfield signed with the Rams.