Joe Buck is keeping an open mind about Tom Brady’s career possibilities, especially given Brady’s recent comments about potentially returning to the NFL.
Brady, who signed a massive 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox to join Buck as an analyst, is set to make his debut in the booth for the Cowboys-Browns game in Week 1, replacing Greg Olsen for the season.
Despite this new venture, Buck, during an interview with Chris O’Gorman from the not-for-profit “Questions for Cancer Research,” acknowledged the possibility of the 47-year-old Brady unretiring again. Brady had hinted in April about not ruling out putting on a uniform again, sparking speculation.
“I would never bet against him,” Buck stated. “I feel like he said that with a kind of twinkle in his eye. I don’t know him very well at all, but I think that would be a stretch. But if there is anybody who could do it, it would be him. If there is anybody who’s going to stay in shape so he could do it, it would be him.”
Buck wouldn’t be shocked if Brady made a comeback and led a team into the postseason again. He credited Brady’s experience, football intelligence, and physical readiness as factors that could enable him to play even at an advanced age.
However, Buck believes it would require a unique set of circumstances for Brady to return to playing. “I think all these guys want to be wanted…but this is the NFL,” he explained. “Could he do it? Yes. Would he do it? I think all the planets would have to align for something like that to happen.”
For now, Brady seems committed to his broadcasting role. He mentioned on “The Pat McAfee Show” how excited he was to join the team at Fox and shared his experiences of preparing intensely for his new role. He also bonded with his Fox colleagues, including Erin Andrews, Rob Gronkowski, and Michael Strahan, in a tropical preseason get-together.
Furthermore, Brady’s ongoing efforts to acquire an ownership stake in the Raiders, still pending league approval, could complicate any potential return to the field.
Despite the uncertainties, Brady has kept the door open, musing on the “Deep Cuts” podcast about the possibility of making a comeback akin to Michael Jordan’s return to basketball. “I’m always going to be in good shape, always be able to throw the ball,” Brady said. “So, to come in for a little bit, like MJ coming back, I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
As for Buck, he is more focused on seeing how well Brady transitions to broadcasting. “I do know he is pouring a lot of work into being a broadcaster,” Buck remarked. “I’m anxious, like everybody, to hear how that goes.”
