Precision Career; Clumsy Farewell?
January 29th, 2022
Rondé Barber talks Tom Brady legacy.
BY IRA KAUFMAN
JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman is The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports. All his work is presented by Bill Currie Ford, home of the nationwide lifetime warranty on new AND used vehicles. Ira is well known for his long list of sources and contacts, his iconic podcast, and the way he mauls a buffet.
Tom Brady’s exquisite sense of timing finally betrayed him.
Reports of Brady’s imminent retirement broke all over Twitter on Saturday afternoon, apparently catching the Bucs by surprise. In a subsequent statement released by Brady’s agent, Don Yee neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
In the news business, that’s considered a tacit confirmation.
And while Brady didn’t want to bow out amidst adulation and fanfare, he can’t be happy with the way the reports leaked out the day before the conference championship games.
This matter wasn’t handled well by Brady’s handlers, but the botched details will soon be long forgotten. What will be remembered is a 22-year career that set new standards for quarterback play and leadership.
“Tom Brady transforms franchises,” said Ronde Barber. “That’s his legacy.”
He departs at the top of his game, leaving a rather empty QB cupboard at One Buc Place. Blaine Gabbert or Kyle Trask won’t generate much offseason enthusiasm with Buc Nation, which has been enthralled the past two seasons watching the GOAT graze amid the NFL mountain top.
Bruce Arians and Jason Licht should have been kept in the loop before Saturday’s reports emerged. There’s always a chance Brady decides to return for 2022, but that scenario appears rather unlikely at this point.
If the reports are untrue, why hasn’t Brady directly refuted them?
We’ve heard from Brady’s agent and Brady’s father, but No. 12 hasn’t weighed in. His silence tilts the scales heavily in favor of retirement. All signs suggest the Bucs must now prepare for LWB — Life Without Brady.
“There’s one position you can’t replace very easily and that’s quarterback,” Barber said. “You either have one or you don’t.”
Buc fans are lining up to lavish their appreciation for Brady – and that’s proper. He single-handedly lifted this organization from obscurity to prime time, showing teammates the sacrifices and dedication required to win big.
Best of all, he led by example.
When Tom Brady puts in the extra work, what’s a young, unproven Buccaneer supposed to do? Brady never asked more of a teammate than he was willing to give himself.
“Certain people have innate leadership qualities, whether it’s a Michael Jordan or a Bill Russell,” Barber said. “Tom Brady raised expectations in Tampa and because he puts so much into it, others feel their standards have to be raised.”
Brady’s football farewell may have been clumsy, but for 22 years he was the master of precision. We won’t see his likes again and he leaves a cavernous void, both on the field and in the locker room.
For two glorious years, he made Buc football a must-see TV event.
He dedicated himself 100 percent to this franchise and Buc fans returned that commitment in kind. He was all-in and so were Tampa Bay supporters.
Whether he now turns his attention toward broadcasting, politics or philanthropy, Tom Brady will be successful in any future endeavor. Why? Because he’ll put the work in.
As a community, we were fortunate to have him in our midst.
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Ira Kaufman is not retiring.
— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) January 29, 2022
January 29th, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Excellent column Ira!
January 29th, 2022 at 5:58 pm
He’s still retiring. I’m still appreciative of everything he accomplished and the impact he had here. Okay. Now, Licht go trade for Russell Wilson and help the Brady news become less depressing.
January 29th, 2022 at 5:59 pm
I agree. I think Brady is retiring but this is not the way he wanted to announce it.
It would be amazing if he was so pissed about the botched retirement announcements that he came back out of spite, but I think that’s just a dream of a Bucs fan scared of going back down into the basement lol
January 29th, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Yes! All is not lost. We still have Ira!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:03 pm
I find it quite Odd that Brady himself has not issued a statement from HIM.
He must know how his fans are churning and confused, why does he remain silent ?
Weird!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:04 pm
Arians dancing a jig. He finally get to be ‘The Big Guy”
January 29th, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Tom will win his 8th ring as a buc, with ridley Evans and Godwin as receivers. Put the house on it. Book it!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:06 pm
Cmurda, we can’t afford Wilson. I would love to have him though!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:09 pm
This will give everybody an opportunity to thank him twice.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Typical of the lamestream media try to blame Brady for a possibly false rumor.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:17 pm
Looks like dry dock for the ol’ pirate ship. Gotta scrape off them barnacles before we drop anchor back in Buccaneer Cove, a.k.a last place in the NFC South. Say it ain’t so Tom! Hopefully we can land one of these veteran signal callers and keep the winning going. I have enjoyed these many a Victory Mondays we’ve enjoyed the past 2 seasons.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:17 pm
Couldn’t agree more Ira. As Bob Hope used to sing, thanks for the memories
January 29th, 2022 at 6:27 pm
LOL @ bspn…
HA HA!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Brady is not your bitch, he doesn’t need to give statements when your guys “leaks” falsehood
January 29th, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Great article Ira and agreed. Brady is done.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time coming, gonna be a long time gone.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:33 pm
Really well written Ira.. Thank you
January 29th, 2022 at 6:36 pm
I am glad to see that Ira, “the Sage”, is not retiring. Neither is Bruce Arians (so far as I know).
I am sorry but I will no longer be jerked around emtionally. Until a retirement by Tom Brady is announced formally and “officially” I am not going to respond. I’m going to be a bit hard nosed about taking any more reports seriously.
P.S. My deceased father was a professinal newspaper journalist. I know how the whole thing about “scoops” worked going back to the 19th century.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:38 pm
Ira, I too believe Tom Brady has played his last game and I too am thankful for all he has done for our beloved Buccaneer franchise. What I need to have confirmed is will you won’t you go on record regarding the conflicting reports of your retirement? Apologize for pressing you on this topic but information has been a little um “off” today. Are you or aren’t you retiring?
January 29th, 2022 at 6:40 pm
A very CLUMSY media, in hot pursuit of a story.
Tom had announced nothing yet but the frenzy was in high gear. lol
We will know soon enough what Tom will do.
Very thankful for what Tom did for the Bucs.
Yes he made the Bucs Relevant for the first time in almost 2 decades when he signed in 2020
Hope there is 1 more year, but if not, just thankful for his time so far with the Bucs.
GO BUCS!!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:42 pm
In ALL the different threads out here today, have you all learned nothing in trades in the NFL?! Especially at QB! No NFC team trades within the conference, especially NOT at QB, no matter how large the draft pick compensation package is from the Bucs.
So…that means the Packers WILL NOT trade Aaron here to only then turn around and beat them on his way to the Super Bowl in conference. Exact same goes for Wilson in Seattle NOT trading him here in conference.
So….that leaves ONLY one viable must get for Team Glazed to reload the seats-fiiling-fix that they are NOW USED TO, with TB12 here for the last 2 years.
His name is Deshaun Watson. From the AFC Houston Texans. Here’s why. Forget the shakedown cash grab of the 22 floosies semi unemployed trying to get there financial 15 minutes of fame. Deshaun is 25 years old. Read that again. We would have FIFTEEN YEARS PLUS remaining in his career, and look what Team Glazed did with Ronaldo at ManU this off-season at the 11th hour to steal him from in town rival Man City!! Ronaldo…fills seats. Publicity is ratings. All the good and (other) of IT.
Then…there’s how Deshaun would then cause Godwin to stay and re-sign, Jensen, maybe even Gronk for one year after healing this offseason. He said so Thursday to TMZ.
So…look at how low out #27 slotted draft pick is, trade 2022, 2023, 1st rounders plus 2022 2nd and 4th rounders, plus 2023 third and 5th rounders…to Houston for a total stud QB…for the next 15 years. And we are competitive every season for the next 15 years.
Think…before reacting. Then speak intelligently.
January 29th, 2022 at 6:47 pm
HCGrover, loved the David Crosby, CSNY subtle reference!
January 29th, 2022 at 6:51 pm
yes we are going to win the superbowl next season with tom brady at the helm…
#DreamSeasonOnTheWay
#WatchAndSee
#ForAllTheSuckersOutThere
#YallAreGettingSonnedByTheMedia
#TommyAndGronkyAreLaughingOnAnIslandRightNow
#MeanwhileGiselleIsKickingDirt
January 29th, 2022 at 7:12 pm
P.S. I cannot and never could type well. Today’s “spelling checkers” and “grammar checkers” only add impediments for me. Fortunately for me I am not now, nor have I ever been a professional writer of any kind. 😉
January 29th, 2022 at 7:15 pm
We might well win another Super Bowl with another “new” quarterback in the next three years. It could happen! We have as much chance as any just about any other team.
Go Bucs!
January 29th, 2022 at 7:17 pm
He is gone. Denial is stage one
January 29th, 2022 at 7:19 pm
I really think he was going to do it early next week a slower media week and not the week of the SB and some dip shat leaked it and the media took it hook line and sinker. They even started running his past SB’s on the NFL station as a tribute. Can’t let the guy go out the way he wants, it shameful.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:28 pm
To quote Samuel Clemens/ Mark Twain “The reports of my death have been grossly exaggerated”
January 29th, 2022 at 7:28 pm
I came here for clarification and I am stilled confused.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Gunnin, Roger’s is a free agent, he can go where he wants. After Brady he would be like a virus in the locker room. I also heard he wants to take Adam’s and another receiver. Roger’s will want at least $40mm and Adam’s wants $30 mm, good luck with that. Wilson needs to be traded. He would be a good fit and would help retain a lot of the Bucs current FA’s. Watson is probably going to jail and who knows if the NFL suspends him. Anyone else isn’t going to attract the FA’s like Godwin.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:34 pm
Until I hear it from Brady, from Licht, from his agent, from Arians, I am still waiting to get depressed. We’ve heard from his father, from Licht, from Arians that they haven’t gotten word he’s retiring. He’s on vacay out of the country at the moment, so of course we haven’t heard from Brady yet. I will wait.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:45 pm
And thanks to Todd’s Bowel, his miraculous comeback against the Rams was wasted due to the most egregrious defensive playcall blunder in Bucs history.
THANKS, TODD.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:53 pm
Well… the Bucs can always sign Jameis Winston…. I recall yall spent years and years debating that dude.
January 29th, 2022 at 7:58 pm
so this is how it’s gonna end ???
#BowlesRetiresBrady #ToddRetiresTommy
#GronkyGotGoosed
2 out of 3 ain’t bad….one more run at the title…tom give us a sign…a sign that you are alive dood…a simple #LFG will suffice 🙂
January 29th, 2022 at 8:00 pm
russell chilson > jaboo
January 29th, 2022 at 8:01 pm
He still may retire – but I don’t believe he’d make that decision and then tell the Bucs he’s not made up his mind. What’s the point? You just keep your mouth shut if it’s true.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:03 pm
SwampBuc well said. I’m just fine w some dumb GM tapping him as someone’s next head coach. Somehow I don’t think any of them are that dumb.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:06 pm
what if:
tom is thinking to do one final year in new england?
push the mac kid to the bench for a year, to learn, and brady steps right in for a final tour,,,
i’ve seen stranger things happen
January 29th, 2022 at 8:09 pm
I blame Todd Bowles fo this. What a letdown it must have been for Brady to have an unbelievable comeback to tie the Rams game only to have a completely knucklehead defensive call lose the game. Heartbreaking and deflating to get so close to the championship game. He just lost the desire to get this far and to have that happen to want to go through it one more time.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:10 pm
@Joe,
Is there any angle that something changed in the middle of the season where Tom’s ticked off with the Bucs?
I can’t believe it would be BA’s gtfoh to AB as AB has run his mouth off about the team and Brady.
But, you never know, maybe it’s something else?
Everything was pointing to Tom playing out his contract. I can’t believe that Gisele all of a sudden put her foot down now after Tom signed an extension. It just doesn’t make any sense and seems more like an excuse.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:11 pm
what if:
sean payton retired because he already knows tom is coming back for his final season farewell tour with the bucs…
and the division is all but a lock…
and with the refs and the nfl in the bucs corner, the chances of winning a superbowl are extremely high if they go into the playoffs healthy and rolling
January 29th, 2022 at 8:12 pm
Good by TB12 and thanks for single-handedly dragging this franchise back into relevance.
And now we welcome back the dark days.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:17 pm
lambchop:
Have heard Brown’s antics may have rubbed Brady the wrong way, but not because of Arians. Brady stuck up for the guy and he got stabbed in the back.
Going to take Brady at his word and guess his wife wanted him to quit.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:27 pm
For ALLLL the slow and impaired, Aaron Rodgers has ONE YEAR LEFT on his DEAL still.
I said at the bottom of my last post to think it through first, then speak or respond intelligently.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:36 pm
Until we hear from the man himself, it isn’t a fact.
I only wish the team were in better shape.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:41 pm
This is so depressing but I knew the day would come. Regardless only one other team had the privilege to be led by the GOAT and we as Bucs fans were gifted with the opportunity to watch and cheer for the GOAT while he led our Bucs to glory. I will always be thankful for those memories and the magical moment that was Superbowl LV.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:55 pm
On a lighter note, is anyone besides me looking forward to the Bengals upsetting the world and winning a SB? Go Joe Burrow/Jamarr Chase
January 29th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Only good thing I see coming out of this is now Non Bucs’ / Tom Brady fans can leave the site.
January 29th, 2022 at 8:57 pm
YES STEELE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Exactly what I want!
January 29th, 2022 at 9:22 pm
Maybe Brady comes back if Bowles does not.
Just spitballin’.
That collapse had to hurt Brady personally. Deeply.
January 29th, 2022 at 9:39 pm
I’m actually more concerned about Brady’s relationship with BA, who did not exert the discipline or vision in a season that needed it. A push here and there, from someone other than Brady, would have made a difference.
January 29th, 2022 at 9:44 pm
Waiting to see if mahommes wins and goes to another superbowl. Nope not retiring. Can’t let that little brat start catching up
January 29th, 2022 at 9:54 pm
The GOAT gave us Bucs fan the TWO best football seasons we’ve ever experienced. Thanks Mr. Brady enjoy retirement for about 5 years then come back to us as our OC. And Steele, exactly Mundo. One thing I’ll be glad gone are all these Brady fans but not Buc fans. Hope oneillbuc follows suit
January 29th, 2022 at 10:04 pm
I would not be surprised if the Bucs cleared up cap issues in 2022, and then brought Rodgers to Tampa as a FA in 2023.
January 29th, 2022 at 10:16 pm
DavidBigBucFan99 Says:
January 29th, 2022 at 9:54 pm
The GOAT gave us Bucs fan the TWO best football seasons we’ve ever experienced. Thanks Mr. Brady enjoy retirement for about 5 years then come back to us as our OC. And Steele, exactly Mundo. One thing I’ll be glad gone are all these Brady fans but not Buc fans. Hope oneillbuc follows suit
Nope 2002 Super Bowl Champions is better than 2021 season.
Have enjoyed this year for the most part, but winning the Super in Jan 2003 Bowl was better than losing short handed to the Rams last week.
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 10:23 pm
One other thing, like Oneilbuc or not, he is an ACTUAL FAN fan of the Team, not some Carpet bagging troll Brady Fan.
There are some respectful fans of the Pats/ Brady that come on here and glad they do, but there are a few Troll Daddies too. And they know who they are.
I am a Brady fan too, but this last game showed again that it takes a TEAM to win, unlike so many preaching Brady against the other 22 of the team the BUCS are playing
GO BUCS!!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 10:24 pm
If Brady is done, there is ZERO reason to bring back Arians, Bowles, Leftwich or Licht.
The foundation on this active roster is VERY THIN outside of a handful of younger standouts like Vea, Wirfs & Winfield and some older guys like Evans, David and Marpet.
If the GOAT is out, there are no more bandaids for this franchise.
January 29th, 2022 at 10:29 pm
Is it official? Has Matt Gay ran Tom Brady out of the league?
January 29th, 2022 at 10:30 pm
1976 . I have never had nothing against Brady!! I hate Patriots fans that’s rooting for the bucs just because of Brady!! I’ve heard Skip Bayless call us the sucknears!! So yes please let all these Brady/ Patriots fans go back to their team!! I’m a bucs fan I actually went to a game to watch Josh McCown and I don’t live in Florida !! I actually go’s to the games to support the bucs while a lot of these people on here who actually lives in Tampa won’t even go and support the team!! Me and my wife are planning to go to some games this year as soon as they drop the schedule and start saleing tickets we are heading to Tampa regardless of who the quarterback is!! Go bucs!!
January 29th, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Oneilbuc I know you do not hate Brady, just the Brady worship that goes something like “it was all Brady for everything”. Yes he greatly changed attitudes and belief, BUT how does any QB do when they are getting smashed in the face because they O Line is not doing their job, or other players missing assignments. 1 against 22 does not work in a team game.
Oneilbuc I was just stating your name because you are an ACTUAL FAN of the team, wether people like you or not. Unlike some of these Carpetbagging Brady Trolls.
Again there are some respectful Pats/Brady fans that come on here and glad they do.
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 29th, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Do you have any Cousins’ Oniel?
Bad joke that only long term real Bucs fans will understand.
**DISCLAIMER: I’m proving that I am a real Bucs fan and my b*tt is stuffed with random team knowledge.
January 29th, 2022 at 10:48 pm
Ira, let’s all hope that you are wrong about this just like you were wrong about Brett Favre coming to Tampa..
January 29th, 2022 at 10:55 pm
Brady called in and told the Bucs he has NOT made decision to retire yet.This is all fake news from anonymous source according to the Hedge.
January 29th, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Gunnin4Ya
I love when idiots say that teams wont trade a qb within the conference. Except the Rams and Detroit. and the Rams and the Eagles. and the Packers and the Seahawks. I’m not even including all the times AFC teams did it, since you strangely limited it to half the NFL.
The Packers are not going to be able to trade Rogers somewhere he doesn’t want to go. And if he’s smart, he doesn’t want to go to the AFC.
January 29th, 2022 at 11:27 pm
H.C. Grover, ‘Arians dancing a jig’. I think not and anyone with half a brain wouldn’t believe that nonsense. In fact if it is true and Brady does retire I half expect Arians retires as well. Arians legacy is tied to Brady and the one Super Bowl win with Brady. Arians knows the Bucs probably don’t stand a chance to win a Super Bowl next year without Brady and are probably in for some type of rebuild. Arians at this stage of his career does not want that nor may have the time for that.
January 29th, 2022 at 11:27 pm
Brady doesn’t win the SB last year without that Defense. Brady doesn’t tie the game last week without that Defense. It was a team loss. Anyone who would want Watson as our QB would forever forfeit the right to criticize Winston on character issues. Carr would be my first choice to replace Brady if he refuses to give Trask first shot. Trask has been more than ready to replace the starters in HS and in college. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was ready to take on the NFCS. His salary would certainly ease any strain on the cap for the OL. A sixth round pick worked out for the Patriots. Maybe a second round pick might work out for the Bucs.
January 29th, 2022 at 11:52 pm
Kyle Trashk?
🧐 🤣
January 29th, 2022 at 11:54 pm
Thanks, Todd.
January 30th, 2022 at 12:21 am
Well said Ira! If Brady really is leaving it’s still going to be an exciting year seeing what Trask and maybe a rookie qb like Malik Willis can do. I just hope that we don’t have to wait almost 20 years for another super bowl win.
January 30th, 2022 at 8:57 am
Stop the media bashing. It’s their job to get news scoops, and report them. Since Trump no one likes the media. Cast doubt on the media, or install goverment media is the first step to authoritarian rule. Just because it’s news you don’t like, or don’t want to hear doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be reported. Ask Joe, if he got an inside scoop, he’d be derilect in his duty as a reporter not to print it. None of these outlets are backing down on this story. It’s happening, deal with it. Don’t shoot the messenger.
January 30th, 2022 at 9:27 am
Ahh…so at 11:03pm, yet another alias here presents itself.
So @ModHairKen, @Sparky (now), @ some crackpipe thing, amongst others.
Need not be so blatantly obvious Zzzbitty.
Per your hack drivel laid out…
Rams needed to unload Goff’s salary desperately, ALONG WITH SENDING two high draft picks to (former asst. GM now Lions GM Brad Holmes) to do so, so that poor citation was like all your slop, completely irrelevant to neutral regular trades, beyond an outlier, apples oranges in your translation.
Short wit, short analysis Bitty.
Denver’s stacked roster offensively, NOW NEW HC Hackett there which was Packers OC last 3 seasons….news flash Bitty..
Broncos play in AFC, so do Raiders, for the California Bear in college…ya know. Summer home in Malibu.
Use another ghost alias….ZZBitty…
January 31st, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Brady sets a high bar. Hope we aren’t in for another lost decade.
January 31st, 2022 at 6:47 pm
Well one thing is for sure now. Our bandwagon is definitely gonna be alot lighter now. Since a bunch of them are gonna be jumping off if he does decide to retire & then more than likely Gronkowski probably will, too! Would be nice to see them try for Russell but I’m kind of wondering if they should give Carr a shot.