Tom Brady on NFL Return: ‘I Could Still Play as Quarterback’
Tom Brady, the retired NFL quarterback, recently commented on Philip Rivers’ surprising return to football after five years. Rivers, who last played for the Indianapolis Colts, has unretired, prompting Brady to jokingly question, “Who retires and then unretires and then is ultimately going to retire again?”
Brady Addresses His Own Retirement
Brady officially retired from the NFL in February 2022 but returned for a brief period before retiring for good following the 2022 season. During that season, he played as the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, achieving impressive statistics, throwing for 4,694 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. At 45, Brady made history as the oldest quarterback to start a game in the league.
Future of NFL Quarterbacks
In light of Rivers’ return, questions have arisen about whether Brady could still play quarterback at 48. Brady responded affirmatively when asked if he could lead a team to victory, affirming, “Yes, I certainly could,” given his knowledge of the system. However, he is now unable to unretire due to his minority ownership stake with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Brady’s last full season stats with the Buccaneers:
- 4,694 passing yards
- 25 touchdowns
- 7 interceptions
Despite being rivals in the past, Brady expressed excitement for Rivers, stating, “I’m very excited to watch Philip play. It speaks to how much he loves the game.” Rivers is currently practicing with the Colts, and head coach Shane Steichen has mentioned the possibility of him starting against the Seattle Seahawks.
Keys to Rogers’ Comeback
Brady emphasized that success for a quarterback goes beyond physical capabilities. He noted, “This game is about, for the quarterback, from the neck up.” He recalled a saying from his Michigan days, highlighting the importance of mental strength over physical prowess. Brady indicated that success for Rivers would depend on his mental preparation as well as his physical condition.
As football fans eagerly anticipate Rivers’ performance, Brady remains an enthusiastic supporter, recognizing the commitment it takes to return to the game at an older age. For continued updates, follow El-Balad for more NFL news and insights.
