Tom Brady confuses NFL reporters with ‘unusual’ sign off after Cowboys defeat

NFL reporters were left asking if this time is really goodbye for Tom Brady following the Buccaneers QB’s ‘unusual’ post-game press conference in which he thanked them for their hard work in a lengthy monologue.  

Brady, who vowed to take it ‘one day at a time’ as he ducked questions on free agency and what the future holds for him, chose to end his post-game media duties with a monologue praising reporters in the room. 

‘I just want to say thank you guys for everything this year. I really appreciate all your effort,’ Brady said, following Tampa Bay’s 31-14 loss to the Cowboys. 

Tom Brady ended his post-game press conference with a monologue thanking Bucs reporters

Brady and the Bucs’ season ended in an emphatic 31-14 loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys

‘And I know it’s hard for you guys, too. It’s hard for us players to make it through, and you guys got a tough job. And I appreciate all that you guys do to cover us and everyone who watches and is a big fan of the sport.’ 

He continued: ‘We’re very grateful for everyone’s support. You know, I love this organization. It’s a great place to be. 

‘I love everyone for welcoming me, all you regulars. And just very grateful for the respect, and I hope I gave the same thing back to you guys. So thank you very much.’

Rick Stroud, Bucs reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, described the sign-off as ‘unusual’ by Brady, while SNN anchor John Reynolds felt Brady’s choice words were ‘ominous’ for his NFL future.

Brady has retired before, only to renege on that decision on grounds of ‘unfinished business’.

That retirement call came 12 months ago after the Bucs lost to the LA Rams in last year’s playoffs. 

This season was a slog for Brady and the Bucs with injuries their Achilles heel as they stumbled to an 8-9 season and a wildcard round play-off exit. 

It was also a season with a lot of trials and tribulations for Brady – both on the field, with shaky performances, and off the field as he went through a divorce from his ex-wife Giselle Bundchen. 

Reporters felt Brady’s sign-off was both ‘unusual’ and ‘ominous’ with his future very unclear

Brady is now a free agent with his Bucs contract expiring and he has the chance to handpick his next destination – if there is one – just as he did back in 2020 when he left the New England Patriots after 20 seasons.

Brady’s teammates also remain unsure of his future. 

Tampa Bay tight end Cameron Brate said when asked: ‘Yeah, I wonder. I know Tom and he wouldn’t want to go out like that. But we’ll see.’ 

Multiple teams have said they’d be interested in pursuing Brady this offseason, with the Las Vegas Raiders being the most recent team to throw their hat in the ring.