Tom Brady un-retires to play 23rd season in NFL

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has said he has changed his mind about retirement and will return to the NFL next season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady won six titles in 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, moved the Bucs in 2020 and led them to a championship. But Tampa Bay lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs and he had announced his retirement last month.

"These past two months I have realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands," Brady said on Sunday in an Instagram posting.

"That time will come. But it's not now.

Brady, who turns 45 in August, says he wants at least one more chance at a championship.

"I love my teammates and I love my supportive family. Without them, none of this is possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. We have unfinished business."

READ MORE: NFL legend Tom Brady retires

Fans react with jubilation

Brady had cited his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and three children when he decided to walk away from the game on February 1.

He changed his mind about staying home a day after attending the Manchester United match against Tottenham Hotspur.

His reversal sent shock waves throughout the sports world, and his teammates and Buccaneers fans reacted with jubilation.

Brady’s decision comes right before the NFL free agency period begins.

The Bucs have several key players set to hit the open market: running back Leonard Fournette, cornerback Carton Davis, safety Jordan Whitehead, linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Gronkowski and others.

Tampa’s odds for winning the Super Bowl went from 25:1 to 7 1/2:1, tied with Green Bay for second-best behind Buffalo at 7:1, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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