The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have ended the 2022 season with an 8-9 record, the first time quarterback Tom Brady had ever finished the year with a losing record in his 23 years in the NFL, but after securing another comeback victory against the Arizona Cardinals in OT with a final score of 19-16 (after trailing in the fourth quarter 16-6), the Comeback King looked poised to deliver another storybook ending for his squad in the postseason.
Sunday’s victory against the Cardinals marked the 40th time that Brady led his team to victory after it was down by 10 or more points, the most in NFL history. In second place? Drew Brees with 27, followed by Peyton Manning with 26 and Ben Roethlisberger with 22. It also marked Brady’s 46th overall 4th quarter comeback win, separating him from Peyton Manning, whom he had previously been deadlocked with at 43 fourth quarter wins with Peyton Manning going into his 17-16 win against the Saints on December 5th. Just business as usual for the GOAT heading into his home playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Unfortunately, Brady’s fourth quarter comeback against the Cowboys, an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cameron Brate, which made the score 31-14 with 2:04 remaining, wouldn’t be enough to defeat Dallas.
“Not the way we wanted to end it, but we didn’t deserve it,” said Brady in the post-game press conference. “I give them a lot of credit. They played a good game. Made a lot more plays than we did, so a tough night.
“I think there’s a part of football where I feel like it’s — sometimes you get lucky, but most of the time, the team that earns it wins,” Brady added, “and they played [well] all year.”
Brady’s contract is set to expire this offseason and also comes with a no-tag clause, meaning Brady is free to sign with another team if a new deal isn’t signed with the Bucs — which has spurred the burning question: Will Tom Brady retire after this season?
“I’m gonna go home and get a good night’s sleep — as good as I can tonight,” Brady said, stating that he hasn’t made any decision regarding what he’ll do next season or set a time for when he’ll reveal such information. “This has been all I’ve focused on — this game. It’ll just be one day at a time. Truly.”
When asked if he felt any different walking off the field following his loss to the Cowboys on Monday, Brady said, “It just feels like the end of the season. I just want to say thank you guys for everything you did this year. I really appreciate all your effort,” he continued. “I know it’s hard for you guys. I know it’s hard for us players to make it through. You guys got a tough job, and I appreciate all you guys do to cover us, and everyone who watches and is a big fan of the sport — we’re very grateful for everyone’s support. I love this organization. It’s a great place to be.
“Thank you everybody for welcoming me, all the regulars,” Brady said in closing. “And I’m just very grateful for the respect, and I hope I gave the same thing back to you guys. So thank you very much.”
Will Tom Brady retire after this season? Or does he still have another competitive season or two under his belt? Tell us what you think in the comments.
