The Los Angeles Rams deny the Buccaneers back-to-back Super Bowl rings with Matt Gay’s 30-yard game-winning field goal as time expires.
Courtesy of AP Photos
By Max Steele
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were eliminated from the National Football League (NFL) playoffs following a nail-biting 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 24.
Despite trailing 27-3 in the third quarter, quarterback Tom Brady and the Bucs made a thrilling comeback and tied the game 27-27 with only 42 seconds left in the game.
Unfortunately for Tampa Bay fans, that was enough time for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to launch a 44-yard pass to MVP-candidate Cooper Kupp, setting up kicker Matt Gay’s game-winning field goal.
The Bucs will not be returning to the Super Bowl this year, which brings a load of questions to the offseason, including whether or not Brady will finally decide to hang up the cleats and wrap up his legendary career.
At the age of 44, Brady is currently the oldest active player in the NFL. Drafted in 2000 by the New England Patriots, the veteran quarterback has played in the league for over two decades. In fact, he is older than the three other National Football Conference (NFC) divisional round head coaches – Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur (42), San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan (42) and LA’s Sean McVay (35).
With the relentless wear and tear that football brings, it’s no surprise that retirement may be crossing Brady’s mind.
“Brady plans to take time after the season ends – a month or longer – to assess how he feels physically and mentally, while also gauging his desires,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated in a recent article.
On the bright side, Brady has expressed that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Tampa Bay since joining the team in 2020. The Bucs feel likewise.
“[Brady is] the best player ever, one of the best teammates and one of the best leaders I’ve ever seen. Hopefully we can get him back,” wide receiver Mike Evans said.
Although the team would prefer that the quarterback stays to finish out his three-year contract, Tampa Bay’s head coach Bruce Arians said the decision is ultimately Brady’s to make.
“That’s up to Tom, just like all veteran players,” Arians said.
When asked about his plans for the future in a Brady press conference following the loss, Brady said he has not yet made a decision.
“I haven’t put a lot of thought into it,” Brady said. “We’ll just take it day by day and see where we’re at.”
Needless to say, Bucs fans may have trouble sleeping these upcoming weeks not knowing whether or not the GOAT will return to Tampa Bay next season.
