"Signing those papers means nothing" - Ex-NFL HC Mike Smith scrutinizes Tom Brady's retirement decision
Even with the Super Bowl done and dusted, the enduring memory of the season might be Tom Brady's retirement. Having been a constant for over two decades, a whole generation of fans have grown up knowing that come rain or shine, Brady will be there playing football.
That does not apply anymore, though, as he has now walked away from the game and submitted his papers to both the NFL and the NFLPA, which confirms his retirement officially.
However, as former NFL coach Mike Smith knows, the papers are not something that cannot be reversed. Brady could still return to the NFL after a hiatus, if he wants. Smith reckons he's a top-level quarterback, even though his skills have slightly diminished compared to before.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast," he said:
"I really do. What else does he have to prove, Reg (Reggie Roberts)? And signing those papers really means nothing. I mean, he can come back and decide that if he wants to play some more, but what else does he need to do? He's done it all. Are his skills declining? Yes. Is he still a great quarterback and can probably go out there and win a lot of games? In the right situation? Yes. But I think he's ready."
Tom Brady officially filed a letter today with the NFL and NFLPA, reconfirming his Feb. 1 retirement, per sources.
This letter silences any questions about whether Brady might return and now makes him eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2028. https://t.co/o8iAgbxrQS
Mike Smith believes TV work will keep Tom Brady away from returning to field
Although Tom Brady could choose to return, coach Smith believes he could stay away. He thinks the $375 million he has from FOX will stop Brady from wanting to return, after he has taken some time off this year:
"As he's mentioned, he's going to take this year off. He's got the golden goose box, with regards to what he's going to be doing. He's going to be calling games, and he's still going to be involved in the game.
Most people that go that route, are very comfortable with it and they enjoy it, because they get to still be involved with football. And Tom Brady is not only a great quarterback, he's very intelligent, and he will present himself very well. I think he'll be a great analyst for a long time. That's my take on it."
Coach Smith believes being a TV analyst could allow Brady to satiate his desire for football in a different way. He also backed the legendary quarterback to be equally successful on television as he was on the field.