Tom Brady recently revealed the reasons behind rejecting offers to return as a quarterback for the 2023 season. According to an ESPN report, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was interested in signing Brady during the offseason and having Brock Purdy serve as the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s backup. This plan, however, would have relegated Purdy to the bench. Purdy, who had aspirations to retain the starting position, expressed his understanding of the situation but conveyed some disappointment at the prospect of being a backup.
Despite the 49ers’ pursuit of Brady, the legendary quarterback had different plans. In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Brady shared that he used the 2023 season as a preparation period for his role as a commentator on FOX during the 2024 season. Reflecting on the past season, Brady emphasized the importance of focusing on his goals amid inquiries from teams like the 49ers about his potential return to football. This decision allowed Brady to relax, recover physically, and gain insights from a season of observation and learning.
As a result, the 49ers, led by Purdy, reached the Super Bowl, showcasing a successful outcome for both parties. While Purdy guided the team to the championship game, the 49ers might rue not convincing Brady, a former fan of the team, to return for a final season if they fail to secure a victory against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Las Vegas.
