Tom Brady: why has NFL star announced retirement U-turn, what is his net worth - and who will he play for?

NFL star Tom Brady has reversed his decision to retire, declaring he has “unfinished business” in the American Football league.

The U-turn comes just 40 days after the quarterback initially announced his retirement.

Brady officially announced he would retire from the sport on Tuesday 1 February 2022, a move which would have seen the seven-time Super Bowl Champion leave the sport as one of the NFL’s greatest ever quarterbacks.

But now it seems as if that’s not happening. So what can we expect from Brady in the next season?

Here is everything you need to know about him.

Who is Tom Brady?

In a career that has spanned over two decades, the former New England Patriots legend has won more Super Bowls than any one team in NFL history.

Brady has also been a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, a five-time Super Bowl MVP; a 15-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a member of the past two All-decade teams, and part of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

In his 22 seasons in the NFL, Brady has started 363 games - the most for any NFL quarterback.

Aside from his seven Super Bowl titles, he has also appeared in a record 10 Super Bowls. The superstar is also the only player to win the Super Bowl MVP with multiple franchises - having won it with both the Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He also holds nearly every major quarterback record, including passing yards, completions and touchdown passes.

Brady was born in San Mateo, California, and was selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft.

In his early American Football days, Brady was never seen as much of a talent, and it was only after his first few seasons with the Patriots that his prowess was noticed and he was subsequently considered one of the biggest draft steals.

Why did he initially retire?

Brady played for the New England Patriots until 2019, and won six Super Bowl Champions as well as winning the Super Bowl MVP four times with them.

In 2019, Brady announced he was moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and helped his new team to go onto win the 2021 Super Bowl.

But following the Buccaneers’ shock exit from the 2021/22 NFL Championship, there had been speculation that it would not be long before Brady - who is now 44 years old - announced he had thrown his final ball.

Taking to Twitter, Brady said: “I have always believed that the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition - if a 100 percent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.

“There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximise my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.

“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100 per cent of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”

Having initially stated that he would wish to play until at least 45, Brady said that his decision to retire would be based on what was best for his family, previously outlining his desire to spend more time with his wife and children.

“It’s not always what I want. It’s what we want as a family. And I’m going to spend a lot of time with them and figure out in the future what’s next.”

Why has he reversed his decision?

Technically, Brady’s retirement was never official, as it never came across the league transaction wire - he legally remains under contract with Tampa Bay for “a placeholder year worth about $10.4 million (£8 million)”, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

“These past two months I’ve realised my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” said Brady in a Tweet announcing his “comeback”.

“That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family,” he added. “They make it all possible.”

Brady was this weekend seen spectating at Manchester United’s Premier League win over Tottenham, in which hat-trick hero Cristiano Ronaldo fired Manchester United to a vital 3-2 victory.

Brady was spotted applauding in amazement after the striker’s long-range opener.

Who will he play for?

The 2022 NFL season will begin with the LA Rams as the champions on Thursday 8 September 2022, and will conclude on Sunday 8 January 2023.

For the past two seasons, Brady has played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning the Super Bowl with them in 2021, but for whom will he play for on his “return” season?

Brady has announced he will be returning to the Buccaneers for the 2022 season, and the team appears to be repeating what it did ahead of the 2021 season and adding a year to Brady’s contract.

What is Tom Brady’s net worth?

According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Tom Brady’s net worth currently sits around $250 million (£192 million).

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