Would the greatest quarterback of all time return to the National Football League for a shot at a seventh Super Bowl ring?
By Ryan K Boman | March 27, 2026
Six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady is a competitor by nature. Even at the age of 48 and three years away from the gridiron, he’s still got the same fire had when he led the New England Patriots to their first-ever World Championship all the way back in 2001.
Old habits never die, as the former Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers passer says that he actually inquired about a potential return in 2026, following some recent media questions. Brady was posed the question after he participated in a Fanatics flag football game last week and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While Brady acknowledged he truly missed being an on-field competitor, he would also like to make history as an executive, as well.
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady said in an interview promoting his World Cup ad campaign with Ferrero. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
Brady currently owns about 5% of the Las Vegas Raiders, with Mark Davis, son of the legendary Hall of Famer Al Davis, as the franchise’s majority stockholder.
“I’m a minority owner. So, when you’re that, there’s really no job description. I don’t have, really, a daily role,” he said. “You know, my phone call is always available to everybody who needs it.”
“I want to see everyone succeed, be their best, bring a winning kind of culture to Las Vegas, to bring the Raiders back to glory. I’d love to be a part of it.”
An NFL spokesman also quashed the rumor, explaining the complicated logistics of a Tom Brady return to the National Football League. Because of his current status and his potential salary, it’s not really a feasible option – even if the surefire Hall of Famer decided he actually wanted to do it.
The spokesperson stated that if Brady were to pursue a return to the league, he would first need to divest his ownership stake in the Raiders, citing a 2023 policy that prohibits players or team employees from taking equity in a club.
“In addition, there would be salary cap issues involving a player/owner,” the spokesperson added.
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