Tom Brady returning to Bucs after changing mind about retirement

Tom Brady has shocked the football world once again.

Brady announced Sunday that he would return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2022 season, cutting short his retirement after slightly more than a month.

In his Twitter post, Brady said he has “realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” and has “unfinished business” with the Buccaneers.

These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm

— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022

Brady’s return will not necessarily come as a huge shock. Many people did not buy that his retirement would be permanent, and as recently as Saturday he offered a pretty big clue that the door was open to a return. Even his public comments seemed to hint that a return might be in the cards.

The manner and timing of the announcement certainly blindsided the NFL world, though. There was no hint that Brady would drop such a bombshell today, or that he would change his mind so soon after his initial retirement announcement.

Brady will turn 45 in August, but looked like he was in top form in 2021. He threw for 43 touchdowns with only 12 interceptions, and led the league with 5,316 passing yards.

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Photo: Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports