Former Teammate Talks Tom Brady Giving Cash To Teammates, Coming Back In Two Years
February 3rd, 2022
The director of player development at the University of Louisville spent seven years alongside Tom Brady on the football field.
So Joe considers retired running Deion Branch a reliable Brady source.
Interestingly, Branch told CBS Sports Radio this week that he believes Brady will maintain his football body and training in retirement, “including the sleep, the rest and the nutrition,” and he believes Brady very well could sit out for two years and come back to play at 46 or 47 years old.
It’s the not the first Brady-connected guy Joe has heard float that out there. Would the Bucs retain his rights? Might Team Glazer negotiate that with Brady for, say, not making him pay the team back what he owes them contractually?
Branch said Brady will treat his body “like a Bugatti,” not “a Honda” and stay in elite condition. He also praised the Bucs for building a strong offensive line to keep Brady upright and for strong coaching to preserve Brady’s health while keeping him playing at the highest level.
It’s not Bucs-related, but Branch told one hell of a Brady story that Joe must share.
Branch explained that Brady is very generous behind-the-scenes with teammates and others and never wants anything publicized. Branch said it’s a family thing with Brady and his wife, time and money. He said in New England that Brady was known to do paid promotional work outside the team, like autograph signings, and then share all his earnings with teammates, essentially bringing the cash for a position group to share, as an example.
“Split it. Do what you want to do with it,” Branch said, quoting Brady.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:12 pm
I think that Tom wants to continue but the power of the P via Gissele is making him leave; I mean why would his kids not live seeing Tahmmy keep playing at a top level, his kids are young aside from the teen in NYC
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:13 pm
I think Brady doesn’t come back, I believe the reason he is retiring is to spend more time with his family, so him coming back makes no sense at all.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:15 pm
I hope the Bucs can retain his rights. If he comes back at least we would receive a draft pick or two via a trade with whoever wants a 47 year old QB…
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:17 pm
46 is a stretch not playing for 2 years? Even for him. You can’t teach speed.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:27 pm
How bad must the next 2 years be for the Bucs to want a 47 year old guy at QB that hasn’t played those 2 years…
MAN, I hope the next 2 years aren’t that bad…. Come on Trask or Jimmy G or ?….
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Please..Brady ain’t comin back. He’s movin forward with his business career. He would be a fool to come back. To what? Let the man enjoy the fruits of his 22 yrs of labor. Besides he’s a ladies and real family man now. Just ask his wife and kids.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Just say no to Jimmy G..
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:39 pm
I think the Glazers should retain him as an occasional consultant to BA and Licht.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
He will come back this year … maybe. Late august/ sep.
but 46-47 … LOL. Arthritis will kick in heavy. His body will be fresh and strong. But not strong for NFL Past this year.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
he will come back after a year and will still be elite. this is more of a branding decision than a wish list.a very good opportunity for tb12 method
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:40 pm
I don’t see Tom coming back in 2years. His oldest will be in high school getting ready for college. I think Tom will want to be part of that….
Here is my theory on the retirement. I think Brady only wanted to play two more years and it was agreed to with his family. The “play to 45” was a smoke screen for the media so the second year wasn’t a distraction for the team with all of the retirement talk. I think BA, JL and Glazers and maybe a few trusted others were in on it. I even think Tom played a role in drafting Trask, he’s almost a college clone of Brady in attributes.
Anyone who doesn’t think Tom had a great relationship with the Bucs organization, just reread what he put out on stepping away.
If we could flip the script and would have lost on the playoff last year but won this and he then retired it would have been more story book ending for sure
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Wow! WOW slow news day. Leprechaun’s might fly out of our arses and hand us each a pot’o’gold too.
Or wait, even yet, Rachel Watson might show up for a full time job at JBF world headquarters too.
Yeah, once the Goat is two years established into his kids lives more, and new ventures, Gisele will certainly just throw all her current ultimatums for him, completely out the window. Yep.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Maybe he got tired of the loosey goosey “win or lose, we booze” mentality here.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Tom Brady is going to pull a Bruce Arians. Retire, enjoy his time off and come back after his contract is void to play elsewhere.
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Is there a sunset on team rights when a player retires from a contract still in force?
I’m not sure there is…
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:54 pm
The Bucs would retain Brady’s rights, even if he sits out a year or two.
I doubt he’ll come out of retirement, though there is one caveat:
If Brady headed up an ownership group that purchased a franchise within the next two years, I could see him asking for either a release, or a draft consideration like a sixth-round pick (symbolic).
February 3rd, 2022 at 12:54 pm
The Bucs would retain Brady’s rights, even if he sits out a year or two.
I doubt he’ll come out of retirement, though there is one caveat:
If Brady headed up an ownership group that purchased a franchise within the next two years, I could see him asking for either a release, or a draft consideration like a sixth-round pick (symbolic).
February 3rd, 2022 at 1:06 pm
No, Tommy isn’t going to start eating cheeseburgers and pizza.(unless it’s one of those gross cauliflower crusts) he will maintain his body and train in much the same fashion. Too much of his rep is tied into the TB12 stuff. It wouldn’t exactly be smart business to be walking around with a beer belly. Don’t read into it. He won’t pull a Michael Jordan for two reasons. One, this is superior G’s time now. She’s left countless millions on the table, so he could indulge his passion. It’s his time to stay home with the kids now. Secondarily, two years away from football doesn’t appear that long. It is, and Brady knows it. If those skills aren’t being continually honed, they evaporate incredibly quickly. Not saying he couldn’t do it, but Ben doesn’t think he’d take the risk of jeopardizing his legacy, the way Jordan did. It was sad seeing Jordan with the bullets. Yes they’ll always be the bullets to Ben
February 3rd, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Deion Branch hasn’t played with Brady since 2012. That’s 10 years ago. So now every guy who played with Brady in his 20-year NFL career is a “reliable source”? LMAO.
February 3rd, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Thanks, Todd, for driving away the best player and possibly the best human to ever play in the NFL. Brilliant final 42 seconds, Todd. Brilliant.
February 3rd, 2022 at 1:42 pm
I did see that video of him throwing the football at David Beckham son on the jet ski. Was sharp. And what’s wrong with a Honda? Definitely get more mileage or at least you would sell that car before owning a Honda for 20 years.
February 3rd, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Near as I can tell, Tom has always been about the team, and him retiring and then coming back to the Bucs would be very selfish and (I believe) unlike him. Why? Because who in their right mind would want to come here and QB this team in the mean time, with that possibility hanging over their head? And Tom doing that just cuz he can? I really doubt it.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:00 pm
I could possibly see him sitting out a year & coming back, but two, Idon’t think so.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:07 pm
It’s interesting how everyone knows, yet still know nothing.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:25 pm
He is a God-King Warrior.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:29 pm
Pipe dream. Not happening.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:34 pm
I’ve accepted it now. It’s going to be nice to look back on the games and talk about the Super Bowl run and Tom Brady walking into the wrong house while he’s not supposed to be contacting Bucs coaches.
The best thing out of this 2 year experience has been how much Brady was humanized. The world got to see Brady out of the cliche Patriot way mold. Brady playing for the Bucs was a gift for everyone.
Brady jerseys will always be on sale and always be worn. I mean, we deserve that magical 2020 season after all the suffering.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:35 pm
I’m looking forward to his autobiography. Would love to know what was said between him and Honey Badger. LOL.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Great story .. should be required reading for all those who were saying last week that Brady just wanted more money . He’s always been ,and will always be a class act.
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:50 pm
“BREAKING NEWS … Guy I’ve Never Heard of Who Played with Tom Brady in 1926 Says he Thinks Brady Will Take Up Surfing”
February 3rd, 2022 at 2:53 pm
He gone.
February 3rd, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Kyle trask!!!
Elvis is gone boys……
February 3rd, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Is it possible he would come back? I guess…maybe after 1 year and can see the front office fix the things he saw that needs fixing…..but I doubt it. Im pretty sure he’s done and will enjoy time with his family….his son plays hockey so he’s fully into that role as hockey Dad now. Im just thankful we had him for the 2 years that we did. I lobbied for him way before the story started getting picked up on rumors.
We need to plan on drafting QB Sam Howell or roll with Trask and build a running game + fix the D backs.
February 3rd, 2022 at 3:16 pm
One things for sure if you ever want him to come back to Tampa is build a wall in front of him. He’s played behind one of the best O lines in the NFL. He’s not going to play for a team that doesn’t have one. Keep drafting O lineman.
February 3rd, 2022 at 3:28 pm
If Brady comes back next year do the Bucs still have his rights?
February 3rd, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Not buying it. Why would he take a 2 year break at 44yrs old?
February 3rd, 2022 at 4:29 pm
I can’t see him coming back and risking being a failure (in his eyes) Although I cancertainly see him interested in moving back to Northern Cali and checking on on the Niners. Maybe not to play but to be available during training camps
February 3rd, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Yeah, Elvis has left the building and he’s not coming back.
February 3rd, 2022 at 5:44 pm
Umm, key aspect of Jimmy Glass left out…his INJURY history. Yeah.
Next, the quote was “but it will require a different offensive strategy”. BA didn’t change anything for Winston, even said as much, same with Brady. Just added TE seam routes more at his behest. BA won’t markedly change no risk it no biscuit for a noodle-armed side who sails balls down the middle all the time in crunch time. Nope.
One of the brightest offensive minds in the game in Shanahan NEVER trusted or allowed Jimmy Glass to throw more than 15 passes, much less in playoff or big games.
BTW, a lot of QB’ s are “available”. Just a question of the zeal one intelligently has to pursue the right LONG TERM fix for the Bucs.
He’s kickin it in Houston right now.
February 3rd, 2022 at 7:50 pm
@Joe
Bucs retain the rights as his last year still hasn’t been completed. They can’t say keep the bonus. Even if we deferred June 1st Brady, Gronk, and Suh, our cap would be -4.05 million. With Brady paying it back, it will be 11.95.
February 3rd, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Actually we can bring Brady out of retirement to where Giselle can still be there with him. Brady can come back & play keep the son as the ballboy & MAKE GISELLE ONE OF THE CHEERLEADERS!😀
February 3rd, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Let him do what he wants. Y’all know he deserves it.
February 4th, 2022 at 1:40 am
Let’s suppose you’re playing against a team and the game is tied with less than a minute to go. Let’s say that team has the best wide receiver in the NFL.
Would you opt to
a.) double cover him?
b.) single cover him?
c.) don’t cover him?
If you answered “c” — congratulations! You are as qualified as Todd’s Bowel to lose a divisional playoff game with the greatest football player of all time sitting on your own bench!
February 4th, 2022 at 6:24 am
Here is my prophecy……..Tom Brady is going to spend the next five years making squillions in business….and being there for his 3 kids and his wife….but during those five years, he is going to keep working at his pliability thing…and staying in shape, and throwing the football a lot…but not openly….
And then….after five years, when he is 49, and has done the “focus on my family” thing for five years…he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame….and in his speech in Canton…he will announce he is coming back to play another 2-3 years with the ________________ _________________ (fill in the blank with whatever team five years from now is the 2027 version of the 2020 Bucanners…loaded with talent but needing a great QB) and he will win another Super Bowl when he is 50 or so…and then retire for good. He would LOVE to be the only player in NFL history to come back and play in the NFL, AND WIN BIG!!….AFTER HE HAS BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME!!! And if you don’ think he COULD DO THIS…you haven’t been paying attention. If he wants to do this (and why wouldn’t he want to?) he certainly CAN DO IT! What a trip that would be!
February 4th, 2022 at 10:59 am
Can’t he just Retire. Geez he played 22 yrs his family and Giselle should have him now.
Being born in Boston but moved to SF was sooo happy he went to Tampa..
Thanks for the memories and for the Buc’s to give him the weapon’s he needed to Win a SB here. Too many injuries this year and the cluster with AB
Go Buc’s 💯🏈🏈🏈✔️
February 4th, 2022 at 11:03 am
Something to chew on.. Brady doesn’t mention the Patriots in his goodbye speech but yet Kraft and Belichick say only good things about him. What is the possibility of Brady becoming the offensive coordinator for the Patriots? Brady comes out of retirement for 1 day with the Pats and retires there and then takes the Offensive coordinator????? Just a thought
February 4th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
The mantra of saying I need to spend more time with my family is ridiculous. What other job gives you 6 months off every year to spend with your family??? Do you get 6 months off each year because I sure don’t and I spend PLENTY of time with my family. I give him one year and he comes back to play in 2023.
February 4th, 2022 at 3:11 pm
If he doesn’t come back this season, he most likely not come back.
Most teams that are in contention, will probably have their long term franchise quarterbacks. They are not going to push them aside just to have Brady for one year.
February 4th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
He’s not coming back, no matter what scenarios we float. It’s Gisele’s time now. What would be awesome would be to see him involved with the Bucs as an advisor, as others here have said. As a longtime Pats fan but bigger Brady and now Bucs fan(especially after BB treated him like as “just a guy” on his way out there)I would love to see him stick around with the Bucs in some sort of emeritus position and help keep the franchise elevated. But PLEASE, no Jimmy G.!!!
February 4th, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Not gonna happen.
February 4th, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Tom Brady is not coming back. At least not for a player for a football team. I see him becoming a coach. I’am sure he would be a gem for whatever team of his choosing. I thank him for all the years he has given me joy watching a pro play. You deserve to rest now till you do you decide to become a coach!!!
February 4th, 2022 at 8:53 pm
who cares
February 5th, 2022 at 12:42 am
Tammy did not want to retire. His wife made him quit. He wanted to play at least another year Prior to this month HE MADE ZERO MENTION of any possibility of Retirement,.that’s Zero possibility. See how uncharacteristically somber he looked lady week, knowing that he was being pushed out by Giselle.
And what’s this BS about being there for his family!!! What 44 year old man
ever said that holding a career or job gets in the way of being a Dad!! That’s Complete Rubbish.
At the end of the day he’s going to have a resentment towards his wife especially when he views a game and knows he’s much better than the quarterbacks he is watching. Tammy, this is not the Tom Brady we know and love. Put your foot down and announce your done with being Tammy. Be Tom Brady again..
February 5th, 2022 at 1:35 am
Winston gets us into playoffs next year then Brady comes back toto get us another ring
February 5th, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Make no sense, come back? To where?
People need to let go this nonsense!
February 5th, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Tom was far from over with his football career, in fact he could have played until he was 50 and still maintain a better average than some of the better quarterbacks in the league. This falls on Giselle, she has dealt with the roughness of this sport and doesn’t want her husband to suffer a crippling injury and at his age she fears the worst. His kids are young enough to enjoy every moment with their dad and it’s not like he is gone weeks or months on end. I know he still had some goals he wanted to try and accomplish like having a undefeated season with a super bowl win as the dolphins currently are the only ones to do that. He could easily win one another ring making 8 in total which I’m sure no one could ever accomplish and most of break every quarterback record and put so much on that it would someone beyond our lifetime to accomplish it. He could have very well have taken the buccaneers to a play off every year and two to three more superbowls. The possibilities were there and his wife dashed not only his dreams but his fans dreams too. I feel there is going to be some resentment from him in the future when he sees the bucs falling behind again with a quarterback that couldn’t play as well as he could. He is remarkable and I thought that as well as he has been playing that he would go to the age 50 before retiring but behind every great man there is a woman nagging for him quit and retire already.
February 8th, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Tom is a winner; he knows what makes of a winning team. He is a person won’t say bad words about people around him that he is disappointed with. He was grateful towards the Pats organization when he left, and he was grateful towards the Bucs organization too. 2020 and 2021season had all his imprints for a successful team, until the Coaching staff and Management massed up! Yes, AB could be nuts and problematic, which is why we need Coach and Management to coach and manage! It’s not unreasonable for AB to ask for the One million to be guaranteed since he was hurt, and for BA to do what he was doing plus his hitting players on the field was totally nuts! He was not qualified and he was at the same level as AB!