Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans are rejoicing that Tom Brady‘s retirement didn’t last long.
After 40 days of initially announcing that he will leave the game for good, he made a U-turn to guarantee his return to Tampa Bay for the 2022 NFL season.
With him gone, the future of the Buccaneers looked bleak.
But with their leader back in action, their key free agents may have the desire to have another round with the Buccaneers.
That said, the likes of Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette, Ndamukong Suh, and Jason Pierre-Paul might return to Tampa Bay.
However, one former player will stick to his retirement despite Brady’s return, as NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reports.
Former #Buccaneers G Ali Marpet will stay retired, according to agent Andy Ross (@NFLagentandy.) Ross said Marpet told him Tom Brady’s return made it tougher, knowing he’ll be watching from afar but Marpet’s going to earn his Master’s.
“He already bought a backpack,” Ross said.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2022
Garafolo tweeted, “Former #Buccaneers G Ali Marpet will stay retired, according to agent Andy Ross (@NFLagentandy). Ross said Marpet told him Tom Brady’s return made it tougher, knowing he’ll be watching from afar but Marpet’s going to earn his Master’s. ‘He already bought a backpack,’ Ross said.”
The highest NCAA Division III selection in NFL Draft history retired after seven seasons with the Buccaneers.
He was part of the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2015 and the Pro Bowl in 2021.
What Is Marpet’s Next Plan Of Action?
Garafolo revealed more information as a response to his tweet above.
He shared, “Ali Marpet wants to work in the mental health field. He’s discussing a variety of options with multiple charities to support and provide care to those with mental health issues, according to Ross. That’s now his top priority, so the football chapter of his life remains closed.”
As a former NFL offensive lineman, mental health is a sensitive topic for him because he fights in the trenches on every snap.
His brain was subject to much abuse and he wants to find ways to help out.
Therefore, a return to the field is highly unlikely.
NEXT: NFL World Reacts To Tom Brady's Return
