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'Coming back': Tom Brady announcement leaves fans in meltdown

Andrew Reid
·5-min read
Pictured here, Tom Brady celebrates during a Tampa Bay game in the NFL.
Tom Brady has confirmed that he's coming back for a 23rd season in the NFL. Pic: AAP

Tom Brady isn't done after all.

Less than two months after apparently calling time on one of the most remarkable careers, the 44-year-old has performed a stunning backflip.

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The seven-time Super Bowl champion tweeted on Sunday in the United States (Monday AEDT) that he has unfinished business and that he's returning for a 23rd season overall - and third with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The announcement comes nearly six weeks after Brady said he was retiring after one of the greatest careers in NFL history.

Speculation about Brady's future began swirling after he was spotted at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo score a hat-trick in a 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham on the weekend.

The two superstars could be seen chatting to one another after the match, when Ronaldo appeared to ask Brady whether he was "finished"?

In response, Brady gritted his teeth and gave a wry smile to Ronaldo to suggest that maybe he wasn't quite finished.

The six-time Super Bowl champ's confirmation on Monday unsurprisingly sent social media into meltdown.

Tom Brady initially called time on career after 22 seasons

Less than two months ago, Brady called time on his 22-year career in the NFL after paying a beautiful tribute to his wife in the process.

Widely considered the greatest player in NFL history, Brady ended a mountain of speculation by confirming his retirement.

The 44-year-old spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles, before relocating to Tampa Bay and leading the Bucs to a championship last season.

Seen here, Tom Brady poses for a picture with his wife Gisele Bundchen.
Tom Brady paid tribute to wife Gisele Bundchen in announcing his retirement. Image: Getty

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady wrote on Twitter at the start of February.

"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."

Brady said "the future is exciting" and pointed to personal and business ventures that have his interest, but his primary focus will become "my greatest achievement," which he said was his family.

In the heartfelt statement, Brady thanked his wife Gisele Bundchen and their three children - Jake, Benny and Vivan, calling them his "greatest achievement."

"To my wife Gisele, and my children Jake, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement," he said.

"I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career.

"Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family."

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