(Tampa) Tom Brady’s 11-day absence from training camp, following a 40-day retirement earlier this year, has some people questioning the motivation of the seven-time Super Bowl champion entering his 23e season in the NFL.
Posted at 12:26 p.m.
Brady, 45, did not decide to pursue his career to tarnish his reputation.
After leading the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns last season, Brady has returned to complete « unfinished business. » His goal remains an eighth ring and second in three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
I have always been very confident in our team, since the day I arrived here. That hasn’t changed. We still have a lot to accomplish. You have to show up on the field and deal with the pressure. And do a great job.
Tom Brady
The Buccaneers stumbled in the playoffs against eventual Super Bowl champions the Los Angeles Rams last season. They lost Rob Gronkowski, retired — for now — and added receivers Julio Jones and Russell Gage. The losses of star center Ryan Jensen to a knee injury and retired left guard Ali Marpet are big challenges for them to overcome.
« Our offensive line has a responsibility to protect the quarterback, whoever he is, » left tackle Donovan Smith said. When you have the best ever, you have to do a little bit better. So we’re going to do what we’re supposed to do. It’s one of the things we get paid for. We are here to protect it and have fun. »
For Brady, nothing less than a parade on the water in February will be satisfying. He has lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy every other season since 2016.
FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Buccaneers the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl at +750 behind only the Buffalo Bills, who are at +600. Pro Picks places both teams in the Super Bowl but favors Brady and the Buccaneers over the Bills.
