Tom Brady Jan 8, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this year, not everybody believes that he will actually stay retired. And he didn’t do much to convince them this week.

During an appearance at eMerge Americas on Thursday at the Miami Beach Convention Center this week, Tom Brady was asked a very clear, blunt and direct question about his NFL future: “Is there any chance you’re coming out of retirement and playing for the Fins?”

But Brady did not give a clear, blunt, or direct answer to the question.

“I will say now that I’m not affiliated with any team anymore, even though I have strong ties with a couple teams, I do have some friends on the Dolphins that I really like,” Brady said. “So, I wouldn’t say I necessarily root for them all the time, but I root for my friends to do well, and several of them play for Miami.”

Obviously, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that Brady has any plans to return to the NFL or play for the Maimi Dolphins. But it certainly is interesting that he had the chance to shut down all speculation, but he didn’t.

We’ll have to see how this situation plays out in the future.

[Brendan Kaminsky]