Tom Brady Explored NFL Return, Faced League Resistance Due to Raiders Ownership
Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, revealed he inquired about a potential return to the NFL while maintaining his minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, but the league expressed disapproval of the idea. Brady, 48, confirmed he is “very happily retired” despite exploring the possibility.
Ownership Conflict with NFL Rules
The NFL prohibits active players from holding an ownership stake in a franchise. According to a league spokesperson, Brady would have been required to divest his ownership in the Raiders to be eligible to sign with any team. A spokesperson cited potential “salary cap issues” that would arise from a player also being an owner CNBC.
Brady’s Role with the Raiders
Brady became a minority owner of the Raiders in October 2024, acquiring a 5% share alongside Knighthead Capital Management and Raiders Hall of Famer Richard Seymour USA Today. He described his role as a “strategic advisory role,” lacking a defined daily responsibility but offering his input to the front office on personnel and coaching decisions CNBC.
Recent On-Field Activity and Retirement Confirmation
Despite participating in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic last weekend, where he threw a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs, Brady reiterated his contentment with retirement. “If anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement,” he stated The Guardian. He previously retired in 2023, initially announcing his retirement in 2022 before returning for one final season.
Brady’s NFL Career
Brady’s illustrious 23-year NFL career included seven Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His last game was a defeat to the Dallas Cowboys in January 2023 The Guardian.
Precedent for Un-Retirement
While rare, Brady’s consideration of a return isn’t unprecedented. Philip Rivers temporarily came out of retirement last season to start three games for the Indianapolis Colts after a four-year absence.
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