TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady discussed his brief retirement, an upcoming movie from his new production company and his $375 million sports broadcasting deal in a new interview with Variety.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his retirement from football in February, but it only lasted 40 days. Brady said he felt pressured to make a quick decision, but ultimately decided to return for the 2022 NFL season.
Although Brady will appear on the court this year, the sports star is looking to the future. Brady secured a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to appear on the network as a lead analyst after retirement.
“I have a very unique perspective on football and how it should be played, and what good plays look like and what bad plays look like,” Brady told Variety. “I feel like I can still have a big impact on the game.”
Brady also revealed that rival sports network ESPN also tried to hire him. “There were a lot of different opportunities that I was approached with,” he said.
The former Patriot will take the field again for New England, this time for a new film. Produced by Brady’s 199 Productions — a nod to his place in the NFL draft — “80 for Brady” follows a group of octogenarian Patriot fans who travel to Houston to cheer on Brady in Super Bowl LI. The comedy stars Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Lily Tomlin and is expected to be released next year.
Brady will be joined on screen by former Patriots Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, who all appear as themselves. “We’ve never been on a movie set together, but it felt like we were back in the dressing room when we were there,” Brady told Variety. “Every time I get my friends involved in things I do, it makes it that much more enjoyable for me.”
Brady also discussed his other projects, including an athletic clothing line, an athletic-oriented NFT website, and a fitness program created by body coach Alex Guerrero.
As for when he expects to be off the field for good, Brady said that’s still up in the air. “Is this my last year? Absolutely. Could I change my mind? Absolutely,” Brady said. “I realized I don’t have five years. I want to do it my way. I want to give it everything I’ve got and see where I’m at.”
