Tom Brady's post-game press conference sounded like a goodbye message to the Buccaneers

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the receiving end of a 31-14 stomping by Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in the final game of the Wildcard Round of this season's NFL playoffs.

.@Dak's FOURTH TD pass of the night! #DallasCowboys

📺: #DALvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ bit.ly/3H99AfG https://t.co/OstGmQwmlc

The Buccaneers' 17-point loss could have been worse had Cowboys kicker Brett Maher not missed four extra-point attempts, an NFL record. During the post-game press conference, Brady kept his responses short. He dodged questions about his impending free agency, claiming his immediate plans were to “go home and get a good night’s sleep and vowing to take his future “one day at a time.”

Brady ended his post-game press conference with a lengthy monolog, saying:

“I just want to say thank you guys for everything this year. I really appreciate all your effort. And I know it’s hard for you guys, too. It’s hard for us players to make it through, and you guys got a tough job. And I appreciate all that you guys do to cover us and everyone who watches and is a big fan of the sport."

He continued:

"We’re very grateful for everyone’s support. You know, I love this organization. It’s a great place to be. I love everyone for welcoming me, all you regulars. And just very grateful for the respect, and I hope I gave the same thing back to you guys. So thank you very much.”

Brady avoided follow-up questions and walked off the podium. Watch the entire sequence below:

How do you feel when hearing this #Bucs fans? Is this a goodbye? Tom Brady closing out his post-game presser with some ominous (yet obviously kind) words. @SNNTV https://t.co/3lss5Wz35A

Is Tom Brady retiring?

It's hard to tell whether Tom Brady will retire for a second time in 12 months. He called it quits after the Buccaneers' narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams last year before unretiring, citing unfinished business.

An 8-9 season and a wildcard-round exit was probably not what Brady had on his mind when he reversed his decision to retire. The quarterback is a free agent and can handpick his destination as he did in 2020 when he left the New England Patriots after 20 seasons.

There is no shortage of suitors for Tom Brady, and the quarterback will assess all options before announcing his decision. But rest assured, the verdict on his future won't be coming any time soon.