Tom Brady could have skipped the 2022 season after deciding to retire earlier this season. After calling it a day, all the quarterback had to do was sit back.
Instead, he quickly got off the couch and put himself back in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineup. Everyone has an opinion on whether "TB12" should have stayed away from the game this season, including his former tight end.
Speaking in a clip posted on Twitter by the Fox Sports NFL account, Rob Gronkowski was asked a series of questions. This included one about whether he believed Tom Brady should have stayed retired.
Gronkowski responded by endorsing his former teammate's decision, claiming he is in charge of his own decisions. Here's how Gronk put it:
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"You cannot tell a grown, 45-year-old man if he should be retired or not. That's his decision and his decision only."
Tom Brady's fate
Over the course of the year, Tom Brady was presented with several possible scenarios and went through the motions before settling into his current place.
Earlier this year, following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the quarterback announced his retirement on social media.
Brady only stayed away for six weeks, but was quite busy at the time. Rumors allege that he was close to becoming the next minority owner of the Miami Dolphins before Brian Flores' discrimination lawsuit was filed. After getting cold feet, Brady rejoined the Buccaneers.
Later in the year, Brady signed a mega-deal with FOX to call NFL games over the next decade following his retirement. In August, many claimed that his mind was already away from playing the sport, as he took 11 days off during training camp for personal reasons.
Brady then took a mid-season trip to attend Robert Kraft's wedding, missing a few more days of training.
This all happened in the shadow of his divorce with Gisele Bundchen. Now facing the home stretch of the regular season, fans of the 4-5 Buccaneers will be hoping for a surge to the playoffs.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit FOX Sports NFL on Twitter and H/T Sportskeeda.
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