Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady asked the NFL if it would be possible to return, but the league quickly shut him down due to his ties with the organization
12:14 ET, 26 Mar 2026
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Tom Brady reached out to the NFL to see if a return was possible
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Tom Brady reached out to the NFL to see if a return was possible(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
NFL legend Tom Brady has revealed that he spoke with the league about a sensational return, but was quickly shut down because of his status as a team owner.
Brady, 48, is now a minority stakeholder in the Las Vegas Raiders and also works in the booth alongside Kevin Burkhardt for FOX Sports. Brady previously came out of retirement before officially ending his career in 2023, but has been loosely linked with a third comeback.
The NFL legend returned to the field to perform in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21 and impressed fans with his ability despite not playing for several years. Brady has also made it clear that he wants a Team USA role in the 2028 Olympics, but any chance of an NFL return appears to be over.
Brady first announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1, 2022, ending his career after 22 seasons. However, despite stating a desire to focus on his personal life, Brady reversed his decision 40 days later.
The legendary quarterback announced that he would return for the 2022 NFL season, and retired the following offseason after completing the year. After taking a year off, Brady then signed a 10-year contract with FOX Sports and also began adding to his business portfolio.
Alongside investing in English soccer club Birmingham City, Brady became a minority stakeholder in the Raiders. Even though Brady has teased a return to the NFL and continues to love the game, his ties to Las Vegas have ended any chance of a third comeback.
Brady played 23 seasons in the NFL
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Brady played 23 seasons in the NFL(Image: Getty)
Brady told CNBC Sport that he asked the NFL about its policy on returning to the league, given that he is an owner of the Raiders. "I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much," Brady said while promoting his World Cup ad campaign with Ferrero.
"We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too."
An NFL spokesperson later confirmed that Brady would need to end his association with the Raiders to return, meaning he would have to divest his stake in the team. "In addition, there would be salary cap issues involving a player/owner," the spokesperson added.
Brady's status as a Las Vegas Raiders owner has blocked a potential return
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Brady's status as a Las Vegas Raiders owner has blocked a potential return(Image: Getty Images)
Although Brady impressed fans during his recent flag football appearance, he confirmed that playing the game made him realize that retirement was the right choice. "If anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement," he said.
Brady's focus remains on his business ventures, advising the Raiders, and his analyst role with FOX Sports. Brady has a lot to handle currently in Las Vegas, with the team set to pick first in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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"I’m a minority owner. So, when you’re that, there’s really no job description. I don’t have really a daily role," Brady said of his position. "You know, my phone call is always available to everybody who needs it.
"I want to see everyone succeed, be their best, bring a winning kind of a culture to Las Vegas — to bring the Raiders back to glory. I’d love to be a part of it."