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7 Shocking Post-NFL Moves That Prove Tom Brady’s Retirement Is Permanent (For Now)

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The question "Is Tom Brady retired?" remains one of the most Googled sports queries, even years after his final snap, but as of December 23, 2025, the answer is a definitive yes. The legendary quarterback, who briefly retired and un-retired in 2022, made his second and self-proclaimed "permanent" retirement announcement in February 2023, concluding a monumental 23-season NFL career. However, the saga of the seven-time Super Bowl champion is far from over; his post-playing career has quickly shifted from the gridiron to the broadcast booth and the owner’s box, cementing his influence on the National Football League in entirely new ways. This transition, marked by a record-breaking media contract and a significant ownership stake, is the strongest evidence yet that the GOAT is truly done playing.

The persistent rumors of a second un-retirement are fueled by Brady’s own comments and the sheer improbability of his longevity, but his new ventures make a return increasingly complicated. From his groundbreaking role as a lead NFL analyst to his minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders, his current commitments are massive, lucrative, and incompatible with a full-time playing schedule. While the possibility of a comeback will never truly die, the reality of his current business empire suggests the era of "Tom Brady the Player" has finally given way to "Tom Brady the Mogul."

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.: The GOAT's Definitive Career Profile

To understand the persistent speculation around Tom Brady’s retirement, one must first grasp the scope of his career. His journey from a sixth-round draft pick to the most decorated player in NFL history is the foundation of his mythos. The following is a complete biographical profile and a list of his most critical career entities.

  • Full Name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.
  • Born: August 3, 1977 (San Mateo, California)
  • College: University of Michigan
  • NFL Draft: 2000 NFL Draft, 6th Round, 199th Overall (New England Patriots)
  • Playing Career: 23 Seasons (2000–2019 with New England Patriots, 2020–2022 with Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Official Retirement Date: February 1, 2023 (second, permanent retirement)
  • Primary Position: Quarterback (QB)

Key Career Statistics and Accolades

Brady’s statistical dominance is unparalleled and provides the context for why the idea of him returning is so tantalizing. He is the all-time leader in nearly every major quarterback category, establishing a level of topical authority few athletes ever reach.

  • Super Bowl Victories: 7 (NFL Record)
  • Super Bowl MVP Awards: 5 (NFL Record)
  • NFL MVP Awards: 3 (2007, 2010, 2017)
  • Career Passing Yards: 89,214 (NFL Record)
  • Career Passing Touchdowns: 649 (NFL Record)
  • Regular Season Wins: 251 (NFL Record)
  • Pro Bowl Selections: 15
  • All-Pro Selections: 3

The Definitive Answer: Why Tom Brady is Not Coming Back

While the door to an un-retirement seemed perpetually ajar for years, a series of high-profile, post-playing career moves in 2024 and 2025 have all but sealed his status as a former player. These seven major developments are the definitive proof that his focus has shifted entirely to his life after football.

1. The Historic $375 Million FOX Sports Deal is Active

The most significant anchor keeping Tom Brady retired is his unprecedented 10-year, $375 million contract with FOX Sports. This deal, signed in 2022, makes him the lead NFL analyst for the network, a role he officially began in 2024. Stepping into the No. 1 booth alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt is a massive commitment that requires extensive preparation, travel, and a full-season schedule. This lucrative contract, which is the largest in sports broadcasting history, is a powerful financial and professional incentive against any return to the field. He is now a key figure in the sports media landscape, a full-time career that is physically incompatible with the demands of an NFL quarterback.

2. Official Approval as a Las Vegas Raiders Minority Owner

In 2024, NFL owners officially approved Tom Brady’s bid to become a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. His stake, reported to be a 5% share, solidifies his presence in the league's business structure. The NFL has strict rules against players having an ownership stake in a team while playing. Returning to the field would require him to divest his ownership share, a costly and complicated process that he is highly unlikely to undertake, especially after a lengthy approval process. This move is a long-term investment in the franchise and the league, signaling a permanent shift from player to executive.

3. Confirmation of Recent NFL Team Contact (and Rejection)

In late 2025, Brady confirmed a major rumor: an NFL team had indeed reached out to him to gauge his interest in a comeback. This revelation immediately sparked a wave of speculation across the sports world. However, Brady quickly dismissed the idea, stating he has no intention of un-retiring for a second time. The fact that a team was willing to make the call, and that Brady publicly confirmed and rejected the offer, provides closure to the endless "what if" scenarios. This clarity is a fresh piece of evidence confirming his current status.

4. The TB12 and Autograph Business Expansion

Beyond the Raiders and FOX, Tom Brady has significantly scaled his personal brand and business ventures, most notably his TB12 Method wellness and lifestyle company. The brand, which promotes his unique training and nutrition regimen, continues to expand its topical authority in the fitness and recovery space. Furthermore, his involvement in the memorabilia and autograph market has intensified, with his signature commanding some of the highest prices in the industry. These business interests require his full attention and are part of his long-term financial strategy outside of playing football.

5. Prioritizing Family and Personal Life

One of the stated reasons for his 2023 "permanent" retirement was a desire to spend more time with his children and focus on his personal life. After 23 intense seasons, the grind of the NFL schedule—the year-round training, the travel, and the physical toll—is a deterrent. While he maintains his elite fitness (joking in late 2025 that he could still "whoop ass" if he un-retired), the personal sacrifice required to return to the league is a major factor that appears to be outweighing the competitive urge.

6. The Hall of Fame Clock is Ticking

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a five-year waiting period after a player's final game. Brady's second and final retirement in early 2023 means he is on track to be eligible for induction in 2028. Any return to the NFL, even for a single game, would reset the Hall of Fame clock, pushing his inevitable enshrinement back another five years. This desire to secure his place in Canton, Ohio, at the earliest possible date serves as another powerful, non-financial incentive to remain retired.

7. The Legacy of a Perfect Ending

Tom Brady’s final chapter was a playoff run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2022 season. While it didn't end with a Super Bowl, his legacy is already untouchable. A comeback, especially one that failed, could damage the narrative of his career. Having retired as the all-time leader in every meaningful category, with seven Super Bowl rings, there is simply nothing left to prove. Protecting this perfect, unparalleled legacy is a silent, yet powerful, force keeping the legendary quarterback on the sidelines and in the broadcast booth.

Tom Brady’s Future: Broadcasting, Business, and the Raiders

The next decade of Tom Brady’s career will be defined by his roles as a media personality and a professional sports executive. His work with FOX Sports will place him on the biggest stage, offering analysis on the game he mastered. Simultaneously, his ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders connects him directly to the league's inner workings, offering a unique perspective that few former players ever attain. This dual-role, coupled with his growing TB12 empire, showcases a strategic pivot from athlete to global sports entrepreneur. While the un-retirement rumors will likely persist for years, the reality of his current, massive commitments confirms that the GOAT has permanently hung up his cleats, focusing instead on building his second, equally impactful career.

is tom brady retired
is tom brady retired

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