Tom Brady Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and head coach Bruce Arians on the bench in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday, Tom Brady spoke with reporters on a series of topics as he prepares for his third season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just months after he un-retired.

Brady gave a pretty coy response when asked about the rumors that he had tried to finagle his way to the Miami Dolphins during the offseason. He was less coy in his response to rumors that a rift between him and former head coach Bruce Arians led to Arians leaving his post after the quarterback announced his return.

“Zero whatsoever,” Brady said of Arians. “He and I have a great relationship. Part of the reason I chose here was because of Bruce. I mean, he and I have been — incredible communication — I have great respect for him. He knows how I feel about him — that’s the most important thing. And I know how he feels about me.”

Both sides have been pretty adamant about the fact that they did not have a rift, but it’s hard to deny the ongoing rumors around it, not to mention that Arians appeared ready to coach the Bucs once more until Brady returned from his brief retirement.

If there is truth to these rumors, we probably won’t know it until one of them puts out a tell-all book. Until then, don’t expect the rift rumors to end just because Brady said they’re not true.

Brady will play for his third NFL head coach this season with Todd Bowles takes over Tampa Bay.

[ESPN]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.