Brady says he explored potential NFL comeback

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady revealed he considered ending his retirement to resume his playing career but said the NFL didn't support the plan.

"I actually have inquired, and they don't like that idea very much," Brady said in a recent interview with CNBC Sports' Alex Sherman. "We explored a lot of different things, and I'm very happily retired."

Brady would have to sell his ownership stake in the Raiders if he seriously considered pursuing a comeback as a player. A 2023 league policy prohibits players and team employees from holding equity in a franchise.

A league spokesperson said that allowing an active player to own a stake in a team would create "salary-cap issues," per CNBC.

Speculation about Brady's return to the field arose after the three-time NFL MVP's impressive performance in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic last weekend. Despite falling short against eventual tournament champions Team USA, the 48-year-old showed flashes of his impressive passing.

Though Brady looked sharp, the 15-time Pro Bowler said, "If anything, that game reconfirmed to me that I'm very happy in my retirement."

Brady, who purchased a 5% stake in the Raiders in 2024, told CNBC that he holds a "strategic advisory role" with the franchise.

"I'm a minority owner. So, when you're that, there's really no job description. I don't have really a daily role," Brady said.

The Raiders own the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after posting a 3-14 record in 2025. Las Vegas also signed several key free agents to help bolster its roster, including center Tyler Linderbaum and linebacker Nakobe Dean. Star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby is expected to return for his eighth year with the club after a trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through due to a medical issue.