The Tom Brady 'will he, won't he?' retirement debate shifted into high gear on Sunday as NFL fans wondered if the future Hall of Fame quarterback had played his last game after Tampa Bay's 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in a NFC divisional playoff.
Even in the days leading up to the meeting in Tampa it seemed everyone was trying to read the tea leaves about Brady's future.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told The Tampa Bay Times that he would be "shocked" if Brady did not return for next season while ESPN reported that sources close to the NFL all-time passing leader said he is non-committal about playing.The 44-year-old has said he wants to play until at least 45 and has offered no hint that he does not plan to honor the final year of his current deal that will pay him $25.4 million.
Brady's fierce competitiveness, that has helped him earn him seven-Super Bowl rings, including one last year with Tampa, was on full display on Sunday as he engineered a second-half fight back against the Rams. Trailing 27-3 in the third quarter, the Buccaneers rallied to tie the contest with 42 seconds remaining on a Leonard Fournette nine-yard touchdown run.
But that was still enough time for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to work the ball deep into Tampa territory where kicker Matt Gay sealed victory with a 30-yard field goal.Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.comMore from ReutersSubscribe to our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tom Brady, Buccaneers set to take another crack at Rams in NFC divisional round SundayThe Buccaneers will host the Rams in the NFC divisional round, looking to avenge a pair of losses to the only team they've played but yet to beat since Brady joined the Bucs in 2020.
Read more »
Tom Brady must elevate Buccaneers teammates to survive Rams’ challengeThe Bucs will turn their lonely eyes to you, Tom Brady, and ask you to figure out a way to win as only you can, against a swaggerlicious Rams team brazen enough to butt them all into next season.
Read more »
Tom Brady Addresses Future After Buccaneers’ Loss to the RamsTom Brady was asked is he will return next season following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.
Read more »
Tom Brady might finally retire with Buccaneers uncertain about his futureThis could, finally, be Tom Brady’s last hurrah.
Read more »
Gay’s 30-Yard FG Lifts Rams Over Brady, Buccaneers 30-27Matthew Stafford outplayed Tom Brady in the final minute, moving the Rams into position for a last-second field goal that gave Los Angeles a 30-27 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday after the seven-time Super Bowl champion led Tampa Bay on a late tying drive.
Read more »