After almost two weeks, Tom Brady is back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 45-year-old quarterback returned to the Buccaneers’ facility on Monday, 11 days after leaving the team for “personal reasons.” He is also expected to return to training.
[Set, hut, hike! Create or join a fantasy football league now!]
Brady’s absence came as a surprise to many, especially since there is no word on why he walked away. He’s under no obligation to share those details with the public, but people got even more curious (or alarmed if you’re a Bucs fan) when head coach Todd Bowles said he didn’t know when Brady would return.
Bowels has also said that Brady’s absence was pre-planned, so his departure was not a surprise (at least to the team). He’s been in contact with Bowels and the rest of the staff throughout the time he’s been away, which probably put a lot of minds at ease. Even with just 20 days to prepare for the season, Brady has never been one to show up to training camp out of shape and unprepared. He’s meticulous about his diet and fitness, so it’s unlikely he’s been scarfing down double cheeseburgers and donuts while he’s been away.
Also, it’s Tom Brady. He may be 45 years old, but he won the Super Bowl two seasons ago and has consistently matched or outperformed quarterbacks many years his junior. If there’s anyone you can trust when it comes to being ready and prepared, it’s him.
Buccaneers QB Tom Brady is back after an 11-day absence. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)