Tom Brady
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 21: Tom Brady #12 of the Founders FFC looks to pass during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images for OBB Media - FANATICS STUDIOS)
Tom Brady never seems to stay retired for long.
The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback announced his initial retirement on February 1, 2022, deciding to hang up his cleats after 22 seasons. However, just 40 days after his proclamation, he revealed he would return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the season. And then, on February 1, 2023, he made his second retirement announcement.
So far, that one has stuck.
But it seems the quarterback did explore the possibility of returning. That one, however, was immediately shot down by the NFL for one very specific reason.
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady told CNBC in an interview published on March 26.”We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
Why The NFL Said No
Mark Davis and Tom Brady
GettyLas Vegas Raiders owner and managing general partner and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis and Tom Brady
Brady is currently a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which would create a major issue if he were to return. Specifically, a league spokesperson told CNBC that if he were to return, the quarterback would “first need to divest his ownership stake in the Raiders,” as there’s a 2023 policy that states an active player cannot take equity in a club.
“In addition, there would be salary cap issues involving a player/owner,” the spokesperson further told the outlet.
Brady purchased a 5% share of the Raiders in 2024, having helped the team make personnel and coaching decisions, describing it as a “strategic advisory role.”
“I’m a minority owner. So, when you’re that, there’s really no job description. I don’t have really a daily role,” he said to CNBC. “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.”
Social Media Goes Crazy After Tom Brady’s Latest Revelation
Tom Brady on the red carpet.
GettyTom Brady
“Absolutely classic Tom Brady but the NFL dropping the ‘we don’t like that idea very much’ is just them admitting a 48 year old GOAT would still cook the entire league and send every young QB straight to therapy,” one fan shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Classic Brady, still competitive enough to float the idea of coming back while owning part of the Raiders. League said no thanks due to the rules. Good on him for staying in the game one way or another. GOAT forever!,” another fan posted.
“Honestly… draft Mendoza, Brady QB’s the team he owns for 1 or 2 years.. Mendoza sits and learns behind the GOAT. Great storyline, I don’t see why not,” a fan commented.
“Haha, even at 48 the GOAT still had the league shook enough to shut it down quick. Smart move staying retired—Raiders ownership + broadcast gig > getting sacked by 25-year-olds,” one person wrote.
“He could genuinely come out of retirement and win another Super Bowl. Look at his recent highlights,” another person said.