5 Times NFL Players Came Back Out Of Retirement ft. Tom Brady
On Sunday, brady" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Tom Brady announced that at 45-years old he would be coming out of retirement to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his 23rd NFL season. TB12 coming out of retirement might have shocked the NFL world, but it isn't the first time a legend has bowed out, only to return to the gridiron.
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG https://t.co/U0yhRKVKVm
5 times NFL players came back out of retirement
#5 - Eric Weddle, Safety
Veteran safety Eric Weddle retired in 2019 after 13 seasons with the Chargers, Ravens, and Rams, where he earned a total of 6 Pro Bowl selections. However, after safeties, Taylor Rapp and Jordan Fuller both went down with injuries during the 2021 playoff run, Weddle came out of retirement to sign for the Rams' practice squad and then the active roster.
Weddle would play in the NFC Championship win against the San Francisco 49ers before starting in the Super Bowl 56 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Weddle played 61 snaps in the Super Bowl despite rupturing his pec in 2 places before announcing his retirement for the second and final time.
.@weddlesbeard sacrificed to be a Super Bowl champion 🏆
(h/t @davidcanter) https://t.co/15IA0N7tWn
#4 - Rob Gronkowski, Tight End
Tom Brady's go-to target for many years in New England was Rob Gronkowski. However, in March 2019, the legendary tight end decided to call it quits, citing mental health issues amongst other reasons for walking away.
In 2020, Brady, who was now on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, persuaded Gronk to return, and the duo picked up where they left off. Gronkowski caught seven regular-season touchdowns and two more in the Super Bowl 55 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs to give Gronk his 4th Super Bowl ring.