Bruce Arians all but confirms Tom Brady’s wretched season was down to drawn-out divorce with Gisele Bundchen

Now that the storm of the NFL season is over, it is clear that Tom Brady's final season was a step below how he wanted to end things. After decades of excellence, the quarterback waited until his final year to fall below .500. While it still ended in a playoff appearance, the ensuing blowout loss to the Cowboys has served as a de facto push out of the NFL.

His former head coach, Bruce Arians, spoke about the circumstances the quarterback faced in his final season. He didn't name Gisele Bundchen specifically but appeared to basically blame the quarterback's divorce for the dip in results.

Here's how he put it, according to CBS Sports account of the interview on the Rich Eisen Show:

"The injuries to our leaders was really, really hard," Arians said. "Tom wasn't himself, you know, with all the things that were going on. And I got to give him all the credit in the world for battling through what he went through last year for his teammates. I think the world of him but it wasn't the real Tom Brady out there."

Will Tom Brady attempt to avenge his 2022 season?

Tom Brady continues football cutback as crucial six-week milestone approaches

No. 12 at NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This time last year, people began speculating that Brady would make a return to the Gridiron. Just weeks into his first retirement, many doubted the ability of the face of the grind to suddenly stop it. Just six weeks after his initial announcement, the quarterback was back in the fold.

No. 12 once again retired on the same date a year later. On February 1st, 2023, just like on February 1st, 2022, he took to social media to say goodbye to his fans.

However, until he gets out of the initial six-week phase, many fans will remain unconvinced that he's done. Even if the milestone comes and goes, certain segments will continue to speculate well into the 2023 season.

With the former quarterback's FOX job getting set with a 2024 debut schedule, fans know he has the time if he desires. Will he be able to resist as free agency nears?