Record seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has made a stunning U-turn on retirement and confirmed he will appear for a 23rd season in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The legendary quarterback, who will turn 45 in August, had announced his retirement in early February after a decorated career that included five Super Bowl MVP awards.
But Brady announced the shock decision to change his mind on Twitter on Sunday, saying: "These past two months I've realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it's not now.
"I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG."
When Brady announced he was quitting on Feb. 1, it seemed final.
He declared that day, in a long and emotional statement, that he was not prepared to "make that competitive commitment anymore," pointing to the daily "physical, mental, and emotional challenge" of his sporting life.
He wrote then: "I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."
There had been reports by that point that Brady was toying with the idea of retirement, albeit having previously expressed a desire to play to the age of 45 and being open to the idea of going on until 50.
Brady was present at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium Saturday to see Cristiano Ronaldo score a Premier League hat trick against Tottenham at the age of 37, and doubtless, he would have admired the Portuguese striker's longevity.
It reflects his own sustained success in American football, with both men having been figures at the highest level since the early part of the century.
Unquestionably the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady ended his career in Tampa Bay but is most closely tied to the New England Patriots, with whom he won his first six Super Bowls.
He was with the Patriots from 2000 until the 2019 season, before switching allegiance.
Across his career, Brady has led the NFL in passing touchdowns five times and in passing yards on four occasions.
He holds the NFL record for most career quarterback wins (243), passing touchdowns (624) and passing yards (84,520).
He is the only player to have won seven Super Bowl titles and his 35 playoff wins are 19 more than his nearest challenger among quarterbacks, Brady's boyhood idol Joe Montana.
Now, after a jaw-dropping change of heart, Brady will go for an eighth Super Bowl.
