Tom Brady blocked from NFL comeback as retirement U-turn addressed

Tom Brady has revealed he has "explored" returning to the NFL in recent years before encountering resistance from the league. The 48-year-old future Hall of Fame quarter-back impressed during the weekend's Fanatics Flag Football game in Los Angeles.

He maintains strong connections with the NFL through his minority ownership position with the Las Vegas Raiders and his long-term colour commentary position at FOX.

And speaking to NBC on Thursday, he revealed: "I actually have inquired [about a return to playing], and [the NFL] don't like that idea very much. We explored a lot of different things, and I'm very happily retired. Let me just say that, too."

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NFL policy states that Brady would not be allowed to play in the league unless he divests his stake in the Raiders, something the 48-year-old seems strongly disinterested in.

In November 2024, Brady purchased a 5% stake in Las Vegas despite having started his 10-year, $375 million broadcasting contract with FOX just a few months prior.

And he also gave details of his role at the Raiders, saying: "I'm a minority owner. So, when you're that, there's really no job description. I don't have really a daily role.

"You know, my phone call is always available to everybody who needs it. I want to see everyone succeed, be their best, bring a winning kind of a culture to Las Vegas - to bring the Raiders back to glory. I'd love to be a part of it."

Brady initially hung up his boots following the 2021 NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but swiftly reversed his decision, returning for the 2022 season. He definitively retired after that year.