Tom Brady briefly considered a return to the NFL, but the league quickly shut the door on the idea.
Brady said in an interview with CNBC this week that he asked the league about its policy on allowing a minority owner to return as an active player. The NFL’s response was swift. “I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady said. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired.”
What the NFL Said
GettyThe league’s position is clear. An NFL spokesperson said that Brady would first need to divest his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders before pursuing any return as a player, citing a 2023 policy that prohibits players or team employees from holding equity in a club. “In addition, there would be salary cap issues involving a player/owner,” the spokesperson added.
The rule effectively prevents players from holding ownership stakes, making Brady’s situation unique.
ESPN reported Brady purchased a 5% stake in the Raiders in 2024, alongside Knighthood Capital Management co-founder Tom Wagner and Raiders Hall of Fame Richard Seymour. Selling that stake would be the only path back to the field.
What Sparked the Question
GettyThe idea of a comeback didn’t come out of nowhere. The conversation was sparked in part by Brady’s performance the previous Sunday at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, where he flashed his trademark passing skills despite not playing competitive football in years, according to ESPN.
CNBC reported that Brady acknowledged he loved being back on the field, but said the experience “reconfirmed to me that I’m very happy in my retirement.”
Brady’s Role With the Raiders
Brady plays down his day-to-day involvement with Las Vegas. “I’m a minority owner. So when you’re that, there’s really no job description. I don’t have really a daily role. My phone call is always available to everybody who needs it. I want to see everyone succeed, bring a winning kind of culture to Las Vegas — to bring the Raiders back to glory,” he said.
He has helped the Raiders front office make personnel and coaching decisions in what he called a “strategic advisory role.”
Brady by the Numbers
Brady holds NFL records for most Super Bowl wins, Pro Bowl Appearances, passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and division titles. He retired for the second time in 2023, after last playing that season, according to Boston.com. Brady turns 49 in August.
For now, the seven-time Super Bowl champion stays retired. Even so, the brief conversation highlights how Brady’s presence still looms large over the league.
