Tom Brady was about to join one specific team before Buccaneers move in 2020
Tom Brady revealed how he was seriously considering joining the Bears before joining Tampa Bay in 2020, following which he won his 7th ring.
Tom Brady (Via Sporting News)
It was hard to imagine the legendary Tom Brady somewhere else after he clinched six Super Bowl rings and spent two whole decades of his career with the New England Patriots. But it happened, and he landed in Tampa Bay, where he became the winningest quarterback in the history of the NFL with seven Super Bowl rings.
However, it turns out Tampa Bay was not Brady’s first choice as he was very close to being acquired by the Windy City–the Chicago Bears. During the broadcast of the Sunday Night Football game, the Fox Sports lead analyst revealed how he was “seriously considering” joining the Bears after departing from New England.
There were a lot of reasons to choose Tampa. I made about 18 criteria why, and there were things all the way from salary obviously to the weather to the facilities to how great the players were. Chicago was a team, and I’ve never told that story before, they were very stealth in their recruitment. I was seriously considering but, in the end, it came down to Tampa.
Tom Brady said
While negotiating with Chicago, Brady discussed a “18 criteria” requirement with them, which included his salary, facilities, weather and strong teammates he would have in the new team. They were highly committed to signing the seven-time Super Bowl champion and made a compelling pitch for him. But after being approached by the Bucs, his 18 criteria were fulfilled there, and the rest is history.
Why Tampa Bay was the right fit for Tom Brady after leaving Patriots
Leaving the Patriots wasn’t easy for the 15-time Pro Bowler, but he knew it was time for him to move on. After being approached by many teams in the NFL, Tampa Bay perfectly aligned with his needs, especially his 18 criteria requirements and the opportunity to stay close to his son Jake.
And it was close to my son Jack, I loved Bruce Arians and the role that he played in offense, and ultimately the great players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin that I’m still out there watching today.
Tom Brady admitted
Brady succeeded in clinching the Bucs’ second and his seventh Super Bowl trophy in his debut season after outperforming Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs.
He successfully led the team to two consecutive NFL South titles, but his final season didn’t unfold as the 44-year-old had hoped, ultimately ending in his retirement in February 2023.
Pratyusha Srivastava
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