Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots former quarterback Tom Brady speaks during a halftime ceremony in his honor during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady criticizes level of NFL play: ‘A lot of mediocrity’

From coaching to development of young players to schemes, Tom Brady did not hold back on what he thinks of the quality of today’s NFL.

“I think there’s a lot of mediocrity in today’s NFL. I don’t see the excellence that I saw in the past,” Brady said on the “The Stephen A. Smith Show” Monday.

“I think the coaching isn’t as good as it was,” Brady said. “I don’t think the development of young players is as good as it was. I don’t think the schemes are as good as they were.”

Brady, 46, retired earlier this year after a 23-year career in which he won seven Super Bowls with the Patriots (2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2019) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021). He also became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes, among many other records.

Brady said one of the biggest reasons for the league’s decline is certain side effects of recent rule changes.

“The rules have allowed a lot of bad habits to get into the actual performance of the game,” Brady said.

He pointed to rule changes that were intended to protect players from injury, but he says have resulted in a “carefree” attitude on the field.

“Offensive players need to protect themselves. It’s not up to a defensive player to protect an offensive player. A defensive player needs to protect himself. … I think a lot of the way that the rules have come into play have allowed this — you can essentially play carefree and then if anyone hits you hard, there’s a penalty.”

Brady cited Ray Lewis, Rodney Harrison and Ronnie Lott as examples of past players who would be challenged to play under today’s rules.

“… Every hit they would have made would have been a penalty,” Brady said. “You hear coaches complaining about their own player being tackled and not necessarily — why don’t they talk to their player about how to protect himself? … We used to work on the fundamentals of those things all the time. Now they’re trying to be regulated all the time.”

Brady also blamed development at the college level — not the athletes themselves changing — for an NFL that’s seen a decline in scoring the past four seasons, with teams combining to score just 43.3 points per game this season, down from 45.9 in 2021.

“I actually think college players were better prepared when I came out than they are now,” he said. “Just because so many coaches are changing programs, and I would say there’s not even a lot of college programs anymore. There’s a lot of college teams, but not programs that are developing players.

“So as they get delivered to the NFL, they may be athletic, but they don’t have much of the skills developed to be a professional. When I played at Michigan, I essentially played at a college program that was very similar to a pro environment. When I see these different players come in, they’re not quite as prepared as they were, and I think the game has shown that over the last 12 to 13 years. I think things have slipped a little bit.”

–Field Level Media

Jun 11, 2023; Paris,France; Tom Brady and Jelena Djokovic in attendance for the Novak Djokovic (SRB) and Casper Ruud (NOR) men s final on day 15 at Stade Roland-Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady becomes minority owner of English soccer team

Retired NFL great Tom Brady is now a minority owner of English second-tier soccer club Birmingham City FC.

The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s partnership with team owner Knighthead Capital Management LLC was announced Thursday, Brady’s 46th birthday.

“I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham,” said Brady, who becomes a chairman of the club’s advisory board.

A Birmingham City news release said Brady, who retired in February after 23 seasons in the NFL, will apply his “extensive leadership experience and expertise across several components of the club, including working alongside the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programs.”

Brady won six Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady is the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (89,214) and touchdowns (649) but admits he has “a lot to learn” about English football.

“So here’s the deal, I’m officially coming on board at Birmingham City Football Club,” Brady said. “And maybe you’re asking what do you know about English football, Tom? Well let’s just say I’ve got a lot to learn. But I do know a few things about winning, and I think they may translate pretty well.

“I know success starts with the work put in when the world isn’t watching. I know a team is nothing without the city that shows up and stands behind it. Most importantly, I know I like being the underdog. The road’s been long for Birmingham, but these fans have never stopped believing. I’ll see you at St Andrew’s soon. It’s time to get to work.”

Founded in 1875, Birmingham City has been in the second-tier English Championship since being relegated from the Premier League after the 2010-11 season. BCFC finished in 17th place in 2022-23.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field before a wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Antoine Winfield Jr. ‘sure’ Bucs are reaching out to Tom Brady

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. said the team may still attempt to lure star quarterback Tom Brady out of retirement.

“I’m sure we’re still reaching out to him trying to see if he’s trying to come back to the team,” the 24-year-old Winfield said during an appearance on the Richard Sherman Podcast. “Hey, it could happen. Anything’s possible.”

Brady, 45, initially announced his retirement from the NFL in February 2022 only to change his mind several weeks later. The seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL MVP then called it a career this past February after 23 NFL seasons.

“When he first said he retired, I really thought that he was done,” Winfield said. “He surprised me when he came back.”

Brady now has an ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. His 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports begins in 2024.

Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are expected to battle for the starting quarterback job in Tampa this season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a  wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady lost $30M in FTX collapse

Tom Brady lost millions in the collapse of cryptocurrency company FTX, for which he served as an “ambassador,’ The New York Times reported Friday.

Under an agreement the retired NFL quarterback made with FTX in 2021, he received $30 million in now-worthless stock for his work pitching the company in television ads and at its conference. In step with him at the time was his then-wife, Gisele Bundchen, who received $18 million in stock, per the report.

FTX filed for bankruptcy last November. Its former CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, is facing federal fraud-related charges.

And Brady, who won seven Super Bowl titles in his career, also faces legal peril on top of the financial losses. Both Brady and Bundchen, who officially divorced last October, are being sued by FTX investors who want repayment from celebrity endorsers. Basketball Hall of Fame member Shaquille O’Neal also has been sued in the FTX case, as have Larry David of “Seinfeld” fame, tennis player Naomi Osaka and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.

“None of these defendants performed any due diligence prior to marketing these FTX products to the public,” according to the lawsuit, obtained by the Times. It was filed in federal court in Florida.

Before the collapse of FTX, it was valued at $32 billion, including $48 million in shares held by Brady and Bundchen, per the Times. Now, it has no value.

Brady, 45, ranked No. 50 on Forbes’ 2023 list of the World’s Highest-Paid Athletes with earnings of $45.2 million in football salary and endorsements.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a  wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady: ‘I’m certain I’m not playing again’

Tom Brady insists that he is staying retired this time.

“I’m certain I’m not playing again,” the seven-time Super Bowl winner told Sports Illustrated on Thursday, responding to the latest rumors regarding a potential return to the league.

“So I’ve tried to make that clear, and I hate to continue to profess that because I’ve already told people that lots of times,” Brady said.

Speculation surged following Monday’s reports that Brady, 45, has finalized a deal to purchase a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

The three-time MVP quarterback said he already has plenty on his plate.

“I’m looking forward to my broadcasting job at Fox next year,” Brady said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity ahead with the Raiders, and we’re in the process of that along with the other different things that I’m a part of professionally and in my personal life. Just spending as much time with my kids as I can and seeing them grow up and support the different things that they have going on, and that’s a very important job. And I take them all pretty seriously.”

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports begins in 2024.

He announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 after 23 seasons.

Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a  wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady finalizes deal for minority stake in Raiders

Tom Brady has finalized a deal to become a minority owner in the NFL.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion and three-time MVP has agreed to purchase a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders from Mark Davis, Sports Illustrated reported Monday.

The agreement has been sent to the NFL for approval, but that won’t come at this week’s owner meetings in Minneapolis. Brady needs approval from 24 owners to ratify the deal.

Brady, 45, already holds a stake in another one of Davis’ teams, the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports reportedly would be unaffected by an investment with the Raiders, per reports. He’s not joining Fox until 2024.

Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 after 23 seasons.

Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on before a  wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tom Brady in talks to purchase stake in Raiders

Tom Brady is in “deep discussions” with the Las Vegas Raiders to join the team’s ownership group, ESPN reported on Friday.

The stake would allow the seven-time Super Bowl champion to become a limited partner with the Raiders. Talks have been ongoing “for weeks and could soon be reaching a resolution,” per the report.

The Raiders are owned by Mark Davis.

Brady, 45, already holds a stake in another one of Davis’ teams, the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Any agreement between Brady and Davis on the NFL side would have to be approved by at least 24 owners in the league.

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports reportedly would be unaffected by an investment with the Raiders, per reports.

Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 after 23 seasons.

A three-time league MVP, Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins, passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during his career with the New England Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

–Field Level Media

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on December 9, 2018. [ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com]

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Patriots to honor Tom Brady at home opener

The New England Patriots will honor Tom Brady at the team’s 2023 home opener, owner Bob Kraft said Thursday.

“I invited him back to be with us at the opening game and let the fans in New England thank him. … It will be the beginning of many celebrations to honor Tom Brady,” Kraft said on NFL Network.

The NFL will release the full 2023 schedule on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.

Brady, who played his first 20 seasons and captured six Super Bowl championships with the Patriots, announced his retirement after the 2022 season.

“He’s very excited to come back and see our fans,” Kraft said. “It will be a great, great celebration.”

A three-time league MVP, Brady set NFL records for wins by a quarterback (251), Super Bowl wins (seven), passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649) during a 23-year career with the Patriots (2000-19) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-22).

Brady, 45, is scheduled to join the Fox Sports broadcast booth in the fall of 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field before a wild card game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady dismisses notion of ending second retirement

Tom Brady jokingly cited his new family responsibilities on Tuesday as his reasoning against ending his second retirement from the NFL and returning for a 24th season.

“Anyone who thinks I have time to come back to the NFL has never adopted a 2 month old kitten for their daughter,” Brady wrote Tuesday on Twitter.

Brady’s response on social media came after “The Rich Eisen Show” suggested that the decorated quarterback could make another comeback, this time with the Miami Dolphins.

Brady, 45, previously had been linked to the Dolphins, with the NFL punishing the club last year for tampering. The league took away Miami’s first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and its third-round selection in 2024.

He initially retired on Feb. 1, 2022. He changed his mind 40 days later and returned to play last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady once again retired on Feb. 1, 2023. He appears intent on taking the 2023 season off and will debut as a FOX Sports analyst during the 2024 campaign.

Brady played in the Super Bowl 10 times — or 18 percent of all Super Bowls to date. He was a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player and 15-time Pro Bowl selection. He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots before joining the Buccaneers ahead of the 2020 season.

Brady is the owner of the most Super Bowl championships (seven), most regular-season wins by a quarterback (251), most postseason wins by a quarterback (35), most passes completed (7,753), most pass attempts (12,050), most passing yards (89,214) and most passing touchdowns (649).

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field in the final minute against the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter during a wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arians: Tom Brady’s personal life impacted ’22 Bucs

Tom Brady dealt with an in-season divorce and other distractions that factored into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finishing 8-9 last season, Bruce Arians said on Friday.

Arians said in an interview with Rich Eisen of NFL Network that Brady’s second retirement likely is for good after watching him navigate a reversal of his February 2022 announcement. Brady came back to the Buccaneers 40 days after announcing his first retirement, which the New York Post reported was the driving factor in his divorce from wife Gisele Bundchen. Their divorce became final in October.

“The injuries to our leaders was really, really hard,” said Arians, who held the role of senior consultant with the Buccaneers last season but was Brady’s head coach for the previous two years.

“Tom wasn’t himself, you know, with all the things that were going on. And I got to give him all the credit in the world for battling through what he went through last year for his teammates. I think the world of him but it wasn’t the real Tom Brady out there.”

Arians said he believes the Buccaneers should ride with Kyle Trask at quarterback, while also investigating other options. It’s the same approach he suggested to general manager Jason Licht in 2020, when the team was in contact with incumbent starter Jameis Winston while also pursuing conversations with Brady and then-New Orleans Saints free agent Drew Brees.

“I think we’re in good hands with Kyle Trask,” Arians said. “I love Kyle, he’s been there two years now. Blaine Gabbert was a great mentor for him. But just like three years ago, you’ve got to search what’s behind door No. 2. Three years ago, we never would’ve guessed Tom Brady was behind door No. 2. So you do your research, you do all your homework, and then you decide what’s best for you. But right now, I’m very comfortable if Kyle’s our guy.

“… And he’s worked extremely hard every single day. He’s got all the size, he’s got the arm, he’s got the stature of what we like.”

Arians is extremely confident Brady is not behind any of the doors the Buccaneers will encounter in free agency this time around.

“He’s spent a lot of time with his kids and just heading to the next chapter. He’s got so many things going on, you know, he’s one busy dude,” Arians said.

–Field Level Media