REPORT: Tom Brady Had a Crazy Plan to Join the Dolphins

When Tom Brady retired after the Buccaneers’ playoff loss to the Rams, there was a widely shared belief that there was nothing left to do for the greatest quarterback to ever lace ’em up.

But we should know that, even after checking off all the boxes, the best of the best find new and innovative ways to reach new heights.

However, what Brady was angling to do was so absurd and unheard of, you’d think it was straight from a MadLibs folder.

Per reporting from the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, who uses nuggets from PFT’s Mike Florio and offensive lineman-turned-radio broadcaster Rich Ohrnberger to fill things out, Brady has a crazy plan to join the Miami Dolphins as an executive and quarterback.

No, seriously:

Holy smokes! That’s a whole lotta something going on in that story and the tweet above.

Brady’s wild plan to work and play for the Dolphins was ultimately foiled by Brian Flores, whose lawsuit against the NFL and some of its teams for its hiring practices threw a wrench in the entire plan. And that’s just one juicy storyline worth following here. This thing has tentacles with some reach.

We’re talking about a scheme where getting Brady out of retirement is just a minor detail. One that would’ve ultimately impacted Bruce Arians (he retired), any number of QB the Bucs would’ve been aiming to acquire had they been pushed into riding that carousel because of Brady’s decision, and numerous other players.

This plan also had Brady taking on executive role as part of a ploy to get out of retirement to play football in Miami. Getting this done would allow him to stick it to former coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots twice a year. I imagine that might’ve been motivation enough to explore this wild ride. Oh, and then there is that detail of snatching Sean Payton back into the coaching ranks. Payton is taking what essentially amounts to be a gap year after announcing he was stepping away in January. The former Saints coach said it wasn’t a retirement and that he would look to get back into coaching, but the turnaround to join the Dolphins months after leaving the Saints would’ve been extra bonkers.

At the end of the day, none of that was able to shake out how Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was imagining. But that he had the imagination, willingness, and path to try and pull it off is remarkable on its own. Oh, to be living on an alternate timeline where this ridiculousness was the reality.

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Bears Player Grades: Post All-22 Week 9 Player Re-Grades

After a week of hearing about the focus being on Arizona in the wake of the Fail Mary in Washington, Matt Eberflus and the Bears did their darndest to ensure that the Commanders' game wasn't the most embarrassing loss of...

The Bears Had *ANOTHER* Team Meeting (Because Of Course They Did!)

I don't know if the Chicago Bears have more team meetings than wins in 2024, but I feel as if we're getting dangerously close to that number. One week after the Bears felt the need to have a team meeting...

Larry Borom and the Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Day

When watching the game in real-time, especially in the second half, the offensive line appeared to be having one of the brutal performances we saw early in the year. After further review after watching the All-22, I thought the performance...

Should the Bears Consider Trading Keenan Allen?

When the Chicago Bears traded for Keenan Allen back in March, I thought the team was acquiring a player who would help a rookie quarterback hit the ground running. Unfortunately, Allen has struggled to find his footing as a wide...

The Uncomfortable Truths (And Valid Excuses) About Caleb Williams’ Recent Regression

I spent a few hours watching the coaches' film from Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. I watched this film more intently than I have in recent weeks because the answers I sought ran deeper than the basic premise I...

Herbert is Gone, Updated Power Rankings, Trade Deadline Chatter, and Other Bears Bullets

Happy NFL Trade Deadline Day! The Bears already have one trade in the books. Are more coming? ICYMI: The Bears traded running back Khalil Herbert to the Bengals for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Remember when the...

Everything a Bears Fan Needs to Know About the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline (TODAY!)

The NFL Trade Deadline is today. And, yes, the Bears are already getting in on the action with the Khalil Herbert trade. Here's what you need to know. When is the NFL Trade Deadline? Today. More specifically, 3 p.m. CT....

The Bears Made a Trade! Khalil Herbert is Off to the Cincinnati Bengals

Khalil Herbert is getting a new lease on a football life in Cincinnati. The Chicago Bears have reportedly sent Herbert to the Bengals: Bears RB Khalil Herbert Traded https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1853794070142861707 ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Bears are getting a seventh-round pick...

Za’Darius Smith Returns to the NFC North — This Time With the Lions

Not only did the Detroit Lions improve their defensive line, but they also did so by adding a familiar face and long-time foe. Za'Darius Smith is taking his talents back to the NFC North after the Lions linked up with...

Monday Night Football: Chiefs vs. Buccaneers – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread, More

Week 9 continues this evening, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. How to Watch Monday Night Football: Chiefs vs. Buccaneers TV: ESPN Streaming: NFL+ Radio: Westwood One Kickoff Time: 7:15 pm...

Latest News

Ravens vs. Bengals Best Bets, Picks and Prediction – Nov. 7

The Baltimore Ravens (6-3) face a fellow AFC North opponent when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at M&T Bank Stadium, and if you're looking for best bets, we have them.Sign up for a Fubo...

The Bears Had *ANOTHER* Team Meeting (Because Of Course They Did!)

I don't know if the Chicago Bears have more team meetings than wins in 2024, but I feel as if we're getting dangerously close to that number. One week after the Bears felt the need to have a team meeting...

Utah vs. Colorado Football Game Tickets, Venue, Start Time – Nov. 16

The Utah Utes square off against a fellow Big 12 foe when they visit the No. 21 Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on Saturday, November 16, 2024.Hoping to attend this game in person? College football tickets are available on Vivid...

Pittsburgh vs. Clemson Football Game Tickets, Venue, Start Time – Nov. 16

The No. 23 Pittsburgh Panthers take on a conference opponent when they visit the No. 19 Clemson Tigers on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in an ACC battle.Looking to attend this game live? College football tickets are available...

Northwestern vs. Ohio State Football Game Tickets, Venue, Start Time – Nov. 16

The Northwestern Wildcats meet a conference opponent when they visit the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Wrigley Field in a Big Ten battle.Looking to attend this game in person? College football tickets are available...

Cerundolo vs. Safiullin Prediction at the Belgrade Open – Wednesday, November 6

On Wednesday, Roman Safiullin (No. 60 in the world) takes on Francisco Cerundolo (No. 29) in the Round of 16 at the Belgrade Open.Against the underdog Cerundolo (+135), Safiullin is favored (-175) to advance.Belgrade Open InfoTournament: The Belgrade OpenRound: Round...

Should the Bears Consider Trading Keenan Allen?

When the Chicago Bears traded for Keenan Allen back in March, I thought the team was acquiring a player who would help a rookie quarterback hit the ground running. Unfortunately, Allen has struggled to find his footing as a wide...

Bears Player Grades: Post All-22 Week 9 Player Re-Grades

After a week of hearing about the focus being on Arizona in the wake of the Fail Mary in Washington, Matt Eberflus and the Bears did their darndest to ensure that the Commanders' game wasn't the most embarrassing loss of...

Should I Consider an NFL Team’s ATS Record When Betting?

One of the most common metrics bettors will look at is a team’s Against the Spread or ATS record. But is it truly a reliable indicator of future performance? When it comes to NFL betting, there are a multitude of...

Michael Jordan Jersey Reaches Fourth-Highest Price Ever

Michael Jordan memorabilia remains arguably the hottest market in sports. One of the GOAT's recent game-worn jerseys from the 1996-97 season recently hit the auction block at Sotheby's. The jersey was worn in at least 17 games during the season,...

Clippers vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers (1-5) will try to stop a three-game losing streak when they hit the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers (3-4) on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Intuit Dome as only 1.5-point underdogs. The game airs at...

more bears news