Tampa Bay Buccaneers: When Will Tom Brady Finally Retire?

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, Jr. has been a thorn in the side of the rest of the NFL for two decades now. Where most NFL quarterbacks start to slow down in their 30’s, Brady seems to be hitting another stride in his 40’s. Since moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 44-year old QB is still playing at a high level leaving most to wonder when he’ll decide to hang them up.

The obvious answer to any aging superstar is when their skills decline or their love for the game is lost. Brady has neither issue right now and looks just as good as the 30 year olds behind him. Most veteran players stay on for the thrill of one more championship. Brady has 6 Super Bowls under his belt and has nothing left to prove.

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Some hold on to reach those benchmark statistics that cement their legacy. Brady leads the NFL in Super Bowl wins, touchdown passes all-time, and just past Drew Brees to be the all-time passing leader and again has nothing left to prove.

But maybe that’s the key to his decision. Despite signing a contract extension through 2022, could this be his last go? He and Drew Brees were neck and neck for the extent of their career statistically. With Brees calling it after last season, by sticking around one season longer Brady was able to pass him on the all-time passing list.

Even though he cemented his name as the greatest of all time with his Super Bowl wins alone, it would be a shame to make it that far only to finish in second place. It’s almost as if it would put an asterisk next to his championships knowing he was that close and decided not to take down that record.

As silly as that sounds, from his days in New England to his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Brady has been determined to be the best. Everyone has seen the meme of crying Tom Brady on draft day. He’s carried that memory with him his entire career with a chip on his shoulder. He’s got the championships, the records, and blank check to do whatever he wants after football.

There’s nothing left for Tom Brady to check off his list. Could this be the year he decides to walk away and spend more time with his family?