Tom Brady retired in 2023 at the ripe age of 45. Of course, he also retired in 2022 at the age of 44, so it’s fair to question just how far he’s ridden into that sunset.
Rumors of a potential move to the Miami Dolphins have been prevalent in recent years. In fact, the Dolphins will be without their upcoming first round draft pick thanks in part to owner Stephen Ross’s tampering in trying to lure the seven-time NFL champion to south Florida. Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s ongoing preparations to return from the head injuries that curtailed his breakout 2022 season, chatter about seeing Brady in orange and teal has maintained a low murmur throughout the offseason.
So when he was a featured guest at the eMerge Americas event at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Brady was asked whether or not he’d be returning to the league — and returning as a Dolphin. He had a proper non-answer for the crowd.
While speaking in Miami, Tom Brady was asked if he is going to come out of retirement to play for the Dolphins: pic.twitter.com/LxTHjcevrm
— Brendan Kaminsky (@BKaminsky) April 20, 2023
“I will say now that I’m not affiliated with any team anymore — and even though I have strong ties with a couple teams,” Brady answered. “I do have some friends on the Dolphins that I really like. So, I wouldn’t say I necessarily root for them all the time, but I root for my friends to do well and several of them play for Miami.”
The hosts didn’t press him after that, leaving the future Hall of Famer to an answer that was effectively “I like my friends.” On one hand, he didn’t explicitly rule out a comeback. But on the other, he also didn’t address the subject at all, instead opting to play to the home crowd with mild praise of the local team.
It was a polished sidestep of a question Brady must be constantly asked. He’s still retired, but if he does come back we know he’s got friends on the Dolphins.
Of course, he’s Tom Brady. He’s got friends everywhere. As long as he didn’t sell them on FTX.