Davante Adams: Tom Brady Should Unretire for Raiders

 

Tom Brady, widely recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks in National Football League  (NFL) history, announced his retirement for the second time in February 2022. After a stellar career with seven Super Bowl titles, he decided to step away from the game to focus on his family and new broadcasting career with Fox Sports. 

 

Despite his retirement, Brady remains a significant figure in the NFL, with many speculating about his potential involvement in football beyond playing. Just recently, Davante Adams, the star wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, stirred the sports world by suggesting that Tom Brady come out of retirement to play for the Raiders. 

 

This idea, which Adams shared on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast, has intrigued fans and analysts alike despite its seemingly light-hearted nature. Check it out here: 

The Proposal

While appearing on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Davante Adams expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of playing with Brady. When asked about the possibility of Brady unretiring, Adams was enthusiastic, stating that he didn’t care about Brady’s age and believed he could still outperform many current quarterbacks.

 

Although made with a hint of humor, this comment highlights Adams’ respect for Brady’s abilities and his desire to see the legendary quarterback don a Raiders jersey. Additionally, for Adams, the opportunity to catch passes from Brady would not only be a personal thrill but could also elevate the team’s performance and morale.

Brady’s Legacy and Current Status

Tom Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, retired for the second time in February 2022. He has amassed numerous records and accolades throughout his career, including seven Super Bowl titles. His decision to retire was influenced by his desire to focus on his family and his upcoming role as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.

Brady’s connection to the Raiders isn’t purely speculative despite his retirement. He has been advancing his efforts to purchase a minority stake in the team, which strengthens his ties to the organization. This investment has fueled rumors and hopes among fans that Brady might consider another comeback, especially with players like Adams expressing interest in playing alongside him.

The Appeal of the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tumultuous time with their quarterback situation. Derek Carr, who had been with the team for nine seasons, was released after the 2023 season, leading to a search for a new leader on the field. 

The addition of Jimmy Garoppolo aimed to stabilize the position, but his performance has not completely erased doubts. Bringing in Brady, even at 46 years old, would provide the Raiders with a proven winner and a seasoned leader.

Adams, who joined the Raiders in 2022, has consistently performed at an elite level. His chemistry with Brady could potentially elevate the Raiders’ offense to new heights. His advocacy for Brady also underscores his commitment to winning and his belief in the quarterback’s ability to contribute meaningfully, regardless of his age.

The Reality of a Brady Comeback

While the idea of Brady coming out of retirement to play for the Raiders is tantalizing, it remains speculative. He has publicly committed to his broadcasting career, and the physical demands of returning to professional football cannot be underestimated. Moreover, the logistics of stepping back into a high-intensity role after time away from the game presents significant challenges.

Yet, the NFL is no stranger to comebacks and surprises. Brett Favre, another legendary quarterback, returned to the league after announcing his retirement, demonstrating that a comeback, though difficult, is not impossible. Brady’s unparalleled discipline and fitness regime could make such a return feasible if he chose to pursue it.

Brady’s Open Invite with the Patriots

If Tom Brady wants to return to the NFL this year, he also has an open invite to join the New England Patriots, though not necessarily as a player. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo stated in an interview with WEEI in Boston that Brady would be welcomed back if he wanted to join the coaching staff. 

Mayo expressed, "I love Tom and the door is always open if he wants to come in here and coach." However, he was less certain about Brady returning as a player, noting, "As far as going on the field, I don’t know."

While Mayo acknowledged Brady’s competitive spirit, he doubted the 46-year-old would attempt to play for the Patriots again. Brady himself hinted at a possible NFL return in an April 11 interview, mentioning he wouldn’t be opposed to a comeback if it involved a team like Las Vegas or New England. 

However, Brady’s imminent minority ownership of the Raiders and his broadcasting role with Fox Sports make a return to the field increasingly unlikely. Additionally, the Patriots appear set at quarterback for the 2024 season, having drafted Drake Maye and Joe Milton, adding to their already crowded QB room.

Final Thoughts

Davante Adams’ call for Tom Brady to unretire and join the Las Vegas Raiders has added an exciting layer of speculation to the upcoming NFL season. While the likelihood of Brady’s return remains uncertain, the very notion reflects the high regard in which he is held by current players and fans alike. Whether or not Brady dons the Raiders’ silver and black, the conversation underscores the enduring impact of his career and the continued allure of his potential presence on the field.