TAMPA, Fla. —The Bucs’ four-decade search for a franchise quarterback has led them to Tom Brady, the greatest of all-time.
The six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback not only was convinced to leave the New England Patriots after 20 seasons, he chose to continue his career in Tampa Bay. He chose to attempt to resurrect a franchise that hasn’t reached the postseason in 12 years and that hasn’t been relevant since winning Super Bowl 37 in January of 2003.
Brady, 42, has reached the playoffs 11 years in a row and hoisted six Lombardi Trophies in his career.
The Bucs are in for a culture change. Brady is the culture change. Believe it. It’s true.
Multiple reports indicated that Brady has decided to play for the Bucs.
“Barring anything unforeseen, Tom Brady is expected to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. “There is no signing planned. No press conference planned. And it looks like that decision will come down sometime this week. Look, right now, it’s looking like Tom Brady is going to wind up a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.”
Brady chose to play for Bruce Arians over Bill Belichick, and pass to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin over Julian Edelman.
And, yes, he chose the Glazer family over Bob Kraft, who is like a father to him. Brady agreed to a (two)-year contract worth ($60 million).
It’s a seismic event in the NFL. Tom Brady, Tom freaking Brady, going to the Bucs?!
This has been a team that kicks good quarterbacks like Doug Williams, Steve Young, Vinny Testaverde and Trent Dilfer overboard.
Arians made it clear after the season that he was ready to move on from Jameis Winston, who led the NFL in passing yards with but also threw 30 interceptions.
He said he wanted to see who was behind Door No. 2.
And at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last month, when asked which quarterback he would pick the phone up for if he were available as a free agent, he broke some NFL tampering rules by immediately saying, “Tom Brady.”
When the negotiating period began Monday, Arians made “an aggressive pitch,” to Brady and his agent, Donald Yee.
Brady met with Kraft at the Patriots owner’s house and discussed his decision to leave.
The Los Angeles Chargers also made a big run at Brady. But geography played a role as Brady’s oldest son lives in New York.
On Tuesday, he posted a letter to Patriots fans on social media announcing his decision to resume his 20-year career elsewhere. At the time he was sure where that would be. Both the Chargers and Bucs made compelling and competitive offers.
Brady recently opened a production company in Los Angeles, he’s from northern California and the Chargers are one year removed from a 12-4 record.
“Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our INCREDIBLE team accomplishments,” Brady said.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but it’s time to open a new stage for my life and my career.”
His life and his career will resume in Tampa Bay.
Oh, the Super Bowl is here, too.
Can you believe it?