Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians says that Tom Brady's divorce from Gisele Bundchen played a role in the team's struggles in 2022. Less than two years removed from a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV, the Bucs went just 9-8 while barely making the playoffs. Arians spoke about the tumultuous season during a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
Arians explained that injuries to key players had a major impact as well, but that he couldn't recognize Tom Brady on the field. "The injuries to our leaders was really, really hard," Arians said. "Tom wasn't himself, you know, with all the things that were going on. And I got to give him all the credit in the world for battling through what he went through last year for his teammates. I think the world of him but it wasn't the real Tom Brady out there." Arians coached Brady from 2020-2021. He stepped away from coaching but remained with the organization as a Senior Football Consultant the following year.
Tom Brady & Bruce Arians
Arians also says that Brady's latest retirement will be his last. "I definitely think so," Arians said regarding Brady's retirement. "He's spent a lot of time with his kids and just heading to the next chapter. He's got so many things going on, you know, he's one busy dude." Brady previously claimed to be retiring in 2022, but reneged on his decision, returning to the Bucs for one more season. The decision is believed to be a factor in Bundchen's divorce.
Brady finished the year with 4,694 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The team lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. He announced on social media he was retiring "for good" on February 1. Brady retires as arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL. He's eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame starting in 2028.
[Via]
