The Reasons And The Records That Motivated Tom Brady Not To Retire

American football lovers smile after learning that, ultimately, Tom Brady will not retire from the gridirons as he had announced in January, and that at least he will play one more season in the National Football League (NFL) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the who, in addition, will be 45 years old.

Just six weeks after assuring that he would not return to the NFL, the best quarterback in history, holder of seven Super Bowl titles and countless records, changed his decision and will play his 23rd season, which will also be his third with the Florida team. after wearing the New England Patriots uniform for his first 20 seasons.

The Goat, as he is also known, announced through his Twitter account while visiting Manchester with his family and representatives of the Glazer family, owners of the English soccer club and the Bucs, and a few hours after meeting Ay take pictures with the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

With seven Super Bowl rings under his belt and a place in the Hall of Fame, perhaps as "the greatest of all time", what would be the reasons for Tom Brady to come out of his short-lived retirement?

The most obvious might be money, but to date, Brady is estimated to have earned about $300 million playing quarterback. However, he has never been the highest-paid player in the NFL but perhaps the best negotiator. Tom Brady has managed to keep his ranks low to allow the teams where he participates to hire other valuable positions without exceeding the payroll limits established by the NFL.

How is Tom Brady's contract for his return?

Tom Brady is in the second year of a previously signed contract with the Buccaneers worth about $50 million total. But he is said to have signed an additional one-year extension to add $25 million more to the deal. However, most of the contract ($41 million) will be paid in 2021 and only $8.9 million is for 2022, which will allow the Bucs more room in the salary cap.

The effect of Tom Brady's re-signing with Tampa Bay is also affecting other players who could be difficult to retain for the new season. After knowing the announcement they already renewed with the teams: Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, and Chris Godwin.

Brady's wishes

Beyond economics, Brady's determination to return to action would also have to do with "pending business" as he himself expressed it in his publication. With the simple announcement of his return, the Buccaneers are once again the division favorites and are thrust squarely into contention for the NFC Championship and perhaps a Super Bowl as well.

In addition, with his new agreement with Tampa Bay, Tom Brady will be able to fulfill his goal of playing professionally until he is 45 years old or older. The quarterback will turn 45 on August 3, 2022.

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It also affects the NFL

The announcement of Brady's return comes two days before the start of free-agent hiring in the NFL, which could imply the relisting of some figures, especially in the QB position. After hearing the news, the Green Bay Packers announced the contract extension of Aaron Rodgers, and the Vikings extended Kirk Cousins, a day after the Falcons restructured Matt Ryan.

Instead, the Los Angeles Rams could struggle to retain most of their Super Bowl-winning lineup. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks plan to trade Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a package that includes draft options and the 49ers are preparing a QB trade.

4 individual records that Tom Brady is chasing

Most passing yards in a season

Few individual seasons were as dominant as Peyton Manning's in 2013 with the Denver Broncos and he holds the record for most passing yards in a single season. The eldest of the Manning managed 5 thousand 477 yards in that year and is one of the records that Tom Brady has in his sights. Last season, that is, 2021, Tom Brady came close to Peyton Manning's record, but he couldn't match or beat Manning. So, in 2022, the GOAT will go in search of a new brand.

Most touchdown passes in a season

We say it again, Peyton Manning had a near-perfect season in 2013 and set the mark for most touchdown passes in a season with 55, but Tom Brady has been close to those numbers. In 2007, he had 50 touchdown passes, but in 2022 he could surpass the former Broncos QB.

QB rating in a season, Tom Brady's most difficult challenge

Aaron Rodgers dominates this department, as he not only has the highest rating for a QB in a season but also the second-best. 122.5 and 121.5 were the numbers the Packers quarterback achieved in 2011 and 2020, respectively. Tom Brady will have one more season to pass Aaron Rodgers in the QB rating and he has been a bit behind in the numbers, his best percentage being 117.2 in 2007.

Yards per game in a single season

In this category, two QBs are sharing first place and they are Drew Brees in 2011 and Peyton Manning in 2013, both got 342.3 yards per game in one season. Tom Brady was close to tying them in 2011 as he had 327.2 yards and in 2021, he could be one of his goals.