NFL Rumors: Retirement Not In Tom Brady's Immediate Future

Tom Brady isn't going to retire, at least not anytime soon. Speaking with reporters on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback shot down the idea that he might possibly walk away from the NFL during the 2022 season.

"I love the sport, and I love the teammates," Brady said at a press conference. "And I want to go do a great job for this team like I always have. No retirement in my future."

Brady's comments were in response to a segment on NBC's Pro Football Talk Live, during which Chris Simms speculated that Brady would be more likely than Aaron Rodgers to retire during the season.

Simms didn't say that Brady was likely to retire this season, but it's fair to wonder if the legendary quarterback will play much longer. Brady retired after Tampa Bay was eliminated from last season's playoffs. Forty days later, Brady announced that he was coming back for the 2022 season.

During his brief retirement, Brady nearly became a part-owner of the Miami Dolphins. There's speculation that the quarterback could've eventually ended up playing for the team.

Tampa Bay has been viewed as one of the NFC's top Super Bowl contenders. The Buccaneers have lost three of their last four games, falling to 3-3. Tampa Bay hasn't played like a championship contender, but the team is still a heavy favorite to win the NFC South.

Brady's reported marital issues have made headlines throughout the season. The quarterback's personal life, his decision to temporarily leave the Bucs last offseason and Tampa Bay's struggles have raised questions about how much longer he'll play professional football.

Even at 45 years old, Brady remains one of the league's best quarterbacks. Brady ranks fifth with 1,652 passing yards and seventh with a 95.1 passer rating.

Brady can become a free agent after the 2022 season and would be highly sought-after if he hit the open market.