Tom Brady’s mention of a possible return as an NFL player has quickly gone from the realm of “that will never happen” to sports books laying fairly reasonable odds it will happen.
But if it does happen, it likely won’t come with the New England Patriots, says new Pats coach Jerod Mayo.
In a recent appearance on the Deep Cut podcast, Brady told host Vic Blends he’d be open to returning late in the 2024 season if a team called him because of an injury. He mentioned the Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders — a team he’s joining as a part owner — as possibilities.
Mayo told WEEI Radio Monday “the door is always open” for Brady, although he cast doubt on him returning to the Pats as a player.
“I love Tom, and the door is always open if he wants to come in here and coach,” Mayo said. “But as far as going on the field, I don’t know. But if he comes here, once again, going back to the, ‘Hey, the best player will play,’ you’ve gotta come in here and compete, and he loves competition. I doubt he’s gonna be walking through these doors any time soon.”
Brady, 46, is set to begin work next season for Fox Sports as their lead NFL analyst, under a 10-year, $375 million deal. As recently as February, that plan appeared to be on track. Fox play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt praised the 7-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s preparations. Brady confirmed he remained eager to assume the role.
But doubts have arisen in recent weeks about his plans, and those podcast comments stirred even more speculation. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said “there’s a chance” Brady skips out on the Fox deal. Mike Francesa said last week he doesn’t think Brady would be a good fit in that Fox role, saying, “I don’t think his heart’s in it.”
Whatever Brady decides, Mayo’s comments cast doubt that return will happen in New England.
[Fox News]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.