Total Pro Sports
Tom Brady doesn’t sound like someone who’s done with football. He sounds like someone who isn’t allowed to come back.
On Thursday’s episode of The Herd on FOX Sports, the seven-time Super Bowl champion said he still believes he could play at age 48. When Colin Cowherd asked if he could still play and can score, Brady answered that he is eager to do that.
“Yes, I certainly could,” Brady said. But he quickly explained the problem, saying, “I think the answer for me would be yes. I’m not allowed to anymore because I’m a minority owner of the Raiders, so I can’t unretire.” As he is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, NFL rules prevent him from unretiring. Unless he gives up that ownership stake, a comeback isn’t allowed.
That comment instantly created the hype. Brady says he can still play. But the league says he can’t. With Philip Rivers recently returning to the NFL, fans and analysts began floating possible teams Brady could help if the door ever opened.
Brady last played in the 2022 season. Rivers last played in 2020. The gap hasn’t stopped the talk. Brady also stays close to the game through his FOX broadcasting job. He watches every week, breaks it down, and still sounds like a quarterback who believes he has something left.
The Indianapolis Colts make the most sense. They already went this route once with Philip Rivers. Brady could step in, steady the offense, and lean on Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman. The Colts wouldn’t need him to do everything. They’d just want him to manage games and lead.
The Denver Broncos are another option. Their defense looks strong enough to win now. The big question is Bo Nix. He showed flashes but also struggled. Sean Payton once tried hard to sign Brady in New Orleans, and that connection still matters. Denver would have to take a big swing, but the fit is there.
The Minnesota Vikings are the most exciting idea. J.J. McCarthy showed promise but stayed inconsistent. Brady throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson would instantly make the Vikings must-watch. It’s fun to imagine, even if it feels unlikely.
For now, Brady keeps the door closed himself. He values his role with the Raiders and follows league rules. Until that changes, this stays a conversation.
