Was this Tom Brady’s final game? Speculation runs rampant as Rams end Bucs’ playoff run
Is this the way Tom Brady is ending his legendary NFL career?
Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were bounced by the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC divisional round game Sunday at Raymond James Stadium and speculation is growing that Brady might call it quits.
NBC, which broadcast the 30-27 Rams win, helped amplify the rumors with Brady’s pregame comments. The Rams advanced to host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium.
“Out of the blue, the question comes up this week, will he retire after the season,” NFL Insider Mike Florio said on NBC. “I have no idea what changed or how it changed or why it changed, but the thinking is, maybe he’s gotten to the point where he recognizes he’s missed too much of his family time.
“He’s been around the NFL for 22 years now and it could be that he takes a step back and figures out whether or not he truly does indeed intend to continue in 2022. This thing is amazing in how quickly it’s bubbled up and we have to take it seriously.”
Brady, of course, is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He turns 45 in August. He just completed his 22nd season in the NFL.
He finished with 329 yards on 30 of 54 passing with a touchdown, an interception, and a fumble.
He owns nearly every NFL quarterback record and has made a record 10 Super Bowl appearances with a record seven titles, including a year ago when he led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title. He won six Super Bowls in 20 years with the New England Patriots.
Brady is the all-time NFL leader in passing yards, touchdowns, attempts and completions.
Although he didn’t play outstanding in Sunday’s loss, Brady had one of the best seasons of his storied career. He threw for a career-high 5,316 yards and had career highs in completions and attempts. His 43 passing touchdowns are second only to his 50 in 2007.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodDarron Cummings
Hamilton is a hybrid playmaker who combines the versatility of Isaiah Simmons with instincts that are reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
Darron CummingsHamilton is a hybrid playmaker who combines the versatility of Isaiah Simmons with instincts that are reminiscent of Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodStephen Brashear
Thibodeaux is a top-tier athlete who wins with speed and has shown surprising coverage versatility. His ceiling is massively high, but it might take a few years for his technique and toolbox to catch up to his talent.
Stephen BrashearThibodeaux is a top-tier athlete who wins with speed and has shown surprising coverage versatility. His ceiling is massively high, but it might take a few years for his technique and toolbox to catch up to his talent.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodCarlos Osorio
Hutchinson's season was shades of Chase Young's 2019 dominant campaign, culminating in him finishing second in the Heisman voting. He's a high-floor prospect who wins with technique and strength.
Carlos OsorioHutchinson's season was shades of Chase Young's 2019 dominant campaign, culminating in him finishing second in the Heisman voting. He's a high-floor prospect who wins with technique and strength.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodMarcio Jose Sanchez
Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it's in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since.
Marcio Jose SanchezStingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it's in his vicinity. As an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history in 2019. Durability has been a concern ever since.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodRebecca S. Gratz
Karlaftis has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the nation during his three seasons in West Lafayette. His inside-outside versatility, overwhelming power and special athleticism could make him a star at the next level.
Rebecca S. GratzKarlaftis has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the nation during his three seasons in West Lafayette. His inside-outside versatility, overwhelming power and special athleticism could make him a star at the next level.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodVasha Hunt
Neal is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) who has improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both left and right tackle.
Vasha HuntNeal is a physical specimen (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) who has improved every season in Tuscaloosa and thrived at both left and right tackle.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodRick Bowmer
Lloyd can rush the passer (he had seven sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season.
Rick BowmerLloyd can rush the passer (he had seven sacks), impact the run game and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions this season.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodKarl B DeBlaker
Ekwonu was the most dominant run-blocking tackle in the country this season — it really wasn't close — and I envision him thriving at tackle or guard in the NFL.
Karl B DeBlakerEkwonu was the most dominant run-blocking tackle in the country this season — it really wasn't close — and I envision him thriving at tackle or guard in the NFL.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodCharlie Neibergall
The Rimington Trophy winner and unanimous All-American was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball and football.
Charlie NeibergallThe Rimington Trophy winner and unanimous All-American was a multisport athlete in high school who earned multiple letters in wrestling, track, baseball and football.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodJeff Dean
Gardner made it through the playoff loss to Alabama unscathed. He finished his collegiate career with 1,100-plus snaps with nine interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed.
Jeff DeanGardner made it through the playoff loss to Alabama unscathed. He finished his collegiate career with 1,100-plus snaps with nine interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodJohn Raoux
Elam is a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don't see in the same toolkit.
John RaouxElam is a 6-foot-2 corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don't see in the same toolkit.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodAl Goldis
Dotson features the game-breaking speed to beat defenses at all three levels and is good against press coverage despite his size (5-11, 185). He has very good hands and is a very capable blocker.
Al GoldisDotson features the game-breaking speed to beat defenses at all three levels and is good against press coverage despite his size (5-11, 185). He has very good hands and is a very capable blocker.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodHakim Wright Sr.
Johnson is capable of being three-down player as a potentially elite run defender and an underrated pass rusher.
Hakim Wright Sr.Johnson is capable of being three-down player as a potentially elite run defender and an underrated pass rusher.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodMichael Ainsworth
Battle features the speed and athleticism to play center field or defend both sidelines, but he excels as a run defender.
Michael AinsworthBattle features the speed and athleticism to play center field or defend both sidelines, but he excels as a run defender.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodBarry Reeger
The former five-star recruit needs to fine tune his tackling technique, but his combination of size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), athleticism and coverage skills is impressive.
Barry ReegerThe former five-star recruit needs to fine tune his tackling technique, but his combination of size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), athleticism and coverage skills is impressive.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodCharlie Neibergall
The two-time All-American has the size and skills — Hall is very capable in pass pro — to be a three-down back. His 800 collegiate touches will concern some scouts.
Charlie NeibergallThe two-time All-American has the size and skills — Hall is very capable in pass pro — to be a three-down back. His 800 collegiate touches will concern some scouts.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodAl Goldis
The former tight end turned tackle graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Raimann allowed zero pressures over his last six games.
Al GoldisThe former tight end turned tackle graded out as one of the best offensive lineman in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Raimann allowed zero pressures over his last six games.
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Super Bowl organizers say game is staying in InglewoodCharlie Neibergall
Penning finished tied for 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting, an award given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS.
Charlie NeibergallPenning finished tied for 10th in the Walter Payton Award voting, an award given to the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS.
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Was this Tom Brady’s final game? Speculation runs rampant as Rams end Bucs’ playoff runDirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) pumps his fists and yells "Let's Go" to the fans after hitting the field and running down the sidelines into the far end zone during warm-ups before taking on the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)
Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNSTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) pumps his fists and yells "Let's Go" to the fans after hitting the field and running down the sidelines into the far end zone during warm-ups before taking on the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)