Tom Brady on comeback: NFL didn't 'like that idea very much'

Field Level Media|published: Thu 26th March, 12:53 2026

Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Founders FFC quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws ball against Logan Paul of Wildcats FFC during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Tom Brady toyed with the idea of a potential comeback, going so far as to ask the NFL if it were permissible for a minority owner of a team to play in a league game.

Per NFL rules, a player can't also be an owner.

"I actually have inquired, and they don't like that idea very much," Brady told CNBC. "We explored a lot of different things, and I'm very happily retired. Let me just say that, too."

Brady, who turns 49 in August, last played in an NFL game in 2022 before announcing his retirement for the second time. The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback currently is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Brady would need to sell his 5% stake in the team before he could become an active player.

Brady returned to the field this past weekend, albeit to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

"I loved being out there playing in the flag game," Brady said. "I loved not getting hit. I've got a lot of really fun things I'm involved in.

"It's never going to get old throwing passes to incredible athletes on the football field. But if anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I'm very happy in my retirement."

Brady was a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player who holds the league records for completions (7,753), pass attempts (12,050), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He added his record seventh Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season.

--Field Level Media