Tom Brady’s decision to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has changed the landscape of the entire NFL, and it may have inspired yet another player to attempt a comeback.
Percy Harvin, who last played in the NFL in 2016, told ESPN’s Josina Anderson on Wednesday that he has been training with a former Olympic athlete and wants to resume his playing career. Harvin said he thought he was finished playing until “that itch came back.” The 31-year-old did not file retirement papers when he left the Buffalo Bills in 2016, meaning he is technically a free agent.
Breaking: Former 1st-rounder, FA WR Percy Harvin tells me: “I’m ready to return to the NFL. I thought I was done, but that itch came back. I’ve been training w/a former Olympian. My body is feeling good. Mentally I’m better. My family is good. The timing is right.” He's 185lbs. pic.twitter.com/NQaadbF73B
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 22, 2020
WR Percy Harvin, 31, last played for the #Bills in Nov. 2016 tells me he didn’t file retirement papers after walking away again with injury pain & other issues. “I knew I wasn’t functioning right, not only physically, just all around the board. I had to get in contact w/ myself.” pic.twitter.com/6j9YdMH6O5
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 22, 2020
The timing is obviously interesting, as Rob Gronkowski officially came out of retirement on Tuesday and was promptly traded from the New England Patriots to Tampa Bay. Harvin mentioned how he grew up dreaming about playing with Brady, so it goes without saying that he would love to play for the Bucs. However, Harvin said he is open to joining any team.
Percy Harvin told me while out of NFL: “I had a dream a while ago when 12 was with the #Patriots, that I would play for Tom Brady. That was well before the pandemic & he went to the Bucs, my comeback was already in the works. But I’m ready for any offense that'll just let me go." pic.twitter.com/nZqAdD5uS1
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 22, 2020
Harvin battled injuries and off-field issues during his once-promising NFL career. He opened up about his anxiety condition last year and admitted to being high during every game he played. Harvin infamously almost got into a fight with Russell Wilson when the receiver was with with Seattle Seahawks.
The level of interest in Harvin probably will not be all that high, especially with the potential for the offseason to be shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic. He may get an invitation to training camp at some point, but the odds are stacked against the former first-round pick.
