Mark Schlereth doesn't rule out Tom Brady return from retirement

Despite Tom Brady retiring again and saying it was for good, NFL analyst Mark Schlereth held out hope for another return.

While Schlereth acknowledged Brady was likely done for his football career, he mentioned the San Francisco 49ers were an enticing option, should he get the itch again. 

In an exclusive conversation with On3, Schlereth discussed Brady’s retirement after 23 seasons in the NFL.

“I never say never,” Schlereth said. “You never know. He may be able to be coaxed out of retirement, he already was coaxed out of retirement one time for the three year run in Tampa. So I’ll never say never and I’ll miss watching him perform, I’ll miss having production meetings with him because he is just a football dude through and through. He’s so much fun to talk to, so much fun just to talk about football with him and life with him. 

“Like I said nothing but the utmost respect for him. I’m glad that he’s chosen to walk away from the game and not get forced out like the rest of us get forced out, but I’d love to see him come back too, so I always hold out a little bit of hope.”

Brady reportedly had a deal with Fox Sports as an NFL analyst upon his retirement. The deal was reportedly a 10-year, $375 million contract.

It remains to be seen whether Brady will join the network as the No. 1 color analyst or decide against that next part of his life.

Tom Brady announces retirement

Brady won seven Super Bowls in his career, six with the Patriots and one with the Bucs. Brady spent 20 seasons with the Patriots before opting to sign with the Bucs ahead of the 2020 season.

He won a Super Bowl in his first season in Tampa Bay over the Kansas City Chiefs. Brady retired as the NFL’s all-time leading passer.

In his final season, Brady threw for 4,694 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 66.8% completion percentage. He set career highs in pass attempts and completions (490-of-733).

Brady walked away into retirement with 89,214 yards, 649 touchdowns, 212 interceptions and a 64.3% completion percentage. The five-time Super Bowl MVP made the case as the greatest quarterback of all-time.

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There was speculation of Brady playing elsewhere in 2023. The San Francisco 49ers were a popular talking point. However, he decided to walk away.