Despite many NFL analysts saying that Tom Brady may join either the Las Vegas Raiders or San Francisco 49ers, Brady announced early Wednesday morning that he is indeed retiring. And this time, he says it’s for good.
Brady’s retirement may have shattered the hopes and dreams of fans of several NFL franchises who may have thought they had a chance at Brady. But if a report from ESPN’s Jeff Darlington is correct, Brady was either going to retire or continue to play in Tampa Bay. One oft-cited factor was that he wanted to remain in Florida close to his kids, which may be the major reason that he called it quits this time.
Despite that, fans around the league had plenty to say about the seven-time Super Bowl champ retiring. That was particularly true for fans of teams who may have been in the running for Brady’s services. Some takes from Raiders and 49ers fans, whose teams many thought had shots at Brady, were especially notable here.
It's hilarious the number of tweets let's say "well, Brady has retired! Who is going to be the quarterback of the Raiders now?"
As if it was definitely going to be Brady to the Raiders. It was always doubtful he'd want to play for a team so far away from competing.
— Asher Mathews (@AsherMathews) February 1, 2023
Some people feel the team most affected by Brady’s retirement is the Raiders, who are now left to scramble to find Derek Carr‘s replacement now that Brady is no longer an option.
The one team most affected by Tom Brady’s retirement:
The Las Vegas Raiders – they’re already looking for a buyer for Derek Carr and now their top replacement plan is out the window. For now at least.
I suspect they will be players in trying to draft a young QB.
— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) February 1, 2023
Others feel like this just means if Brady unretires in a few months like he did last year, that he will either come back as a Raider or with the 49ers.
Tom Brady will play 1 more year! With either Las Vegas @Raiders or San Francisco @49ers!
Brady needs time to think 🤔! He probably got 20 teams beating down his door🚪!
While he’s trying to figure out his family situation!
My bet is on Brady @AllegiantStadm for 2023! #Patriots
— Darius Mitchell_ Hip-Hop Republicans 2024 🇺🇸 (@LowellCouncilor) February 1, 2023
Congratulations on your retirement, @TomBrady. Looking forward to watching your next chapter.
As QB of the San Francisco 49ers 🙄
— Paul Porter (@DrPaulPorter) February 1, 2023
If Brady does decide to come back again like Brett Favre, it would probably tarnish his public image as the greatest to play the game. And for Brady, image is everything. We’ll see if this retirement holds for him.