It’s been a question NFL fans have been asking for years: When will Tom Brady retire? But after that question was seemingly answered Saturday, conflicting reports led to some confusion and uncertainty.
It all began at 2:29 p.m. ET when ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington reported, citing “multiple sources” that Brady was retiring.
That was followed shortly after by an article on ESPN.com written by Schefter and Darlington, which added more detail about Brady’s decision.
“Sources said that Brady’s decision to retire is based on several factors, including family and health,” the article reads. “Although it’s less significant, Brady also recognizes that the Buccaneers are likely to undergo significant roster turnover, sources said.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed ESPN’s report shortly after. Less than 30 minutes after ESPN’s initial tweets, TB12 Sports — Brady’s own company — released a tweet listing his accomplishments before saying “Thank you for it all, @TomBrady.”
Naturally, tributes to the all-time great quarterback quickly flooded the internet, including heartfelt messages from teammates such as Chris Godwin, Julian Edelman and many other players and fans.
The best ever. Congratulations bro @TomBrady grateful to have gotten to share the field with you! Much love fam
— Chris Godwin (@CGtwelve_) January 29, 2022
But then things took a turn.
TB12 deleted its tweet. Then at 3:33 p.m. ET, Schefter tweeted out a statement from Brady’s agent.
“I understand the advance speculation about Tom’s future,” the statement reads. “Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what’s being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon.”
The statement was followed shortly after by a number of reports from Tampa and elsewhere indicating that the 44-year-old Brady has yet to make a final decision on his future.
To summarize, within a two-hour window, one of the greatest football players of all time seemingly retired — then wasn’t retired. Fans and media were quick to react to the confusion with some funny jokes and clever observations.
Tom Brady after seeing yall happy about his retirement pic.twitter.com/woUO1qvpvb
— (@MFKAOZ) January 29, 2022
So, we all continue to wait for Brady to share his plans for next season. But, as Spotrac points out, that decision could be influenced by one important date:
Stay tuned.
