Timing is, of course, everything. Which is why we’re sending our thoughts to Boston today, St. Patrick’s Day, after its parade cancellation in the middle of a frickin’ quarantine, because Tom Brady posted a good-bye note to the New England Patriots. “I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that,†he wrote. “Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments.†Couldn’t this have waited a few days, a month maybe? The NFL may be pushing ahead with the draft, but the rest of the sports world has pretty much paused.
Brady built his career in Boston over 20 seasons, winning six of nine Super Bowls — the record for any NFL player. At the end of last season, his contract was up for the first time, leaving Brady with the option to leave the Pats. Maybe this’ll finally leave him with the chance to do something like hosting SNL (when it’s back on, of course), after his Houston Texans competitor J.J. Watt did so in February. (He’s no stranger to TV, after all, recently appearing in the premiere episode of Netflix’s Living With Yourself with Paul Rudd.) Regardless, we know you’ve been doing lots of checking in lately, but do us a favor and check in with the Bostonian in your life today, okay?
Update, Wednesday, March 18 at 8:00 a.m.: Seems like Tom Brady is just sick of this northeast weather. The quarterback made his move and will now be playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you know, when sports are something we can enjoy again. Sources also told ESPN that there is no signing date or announcement prepared. Brady, whose 20-year career with the Patriots would be graduating from college if it was a kid, became a free agent after being unable to reach a compromise on his contract extension. Brady may be leaving New England, but he’s at least he’s still got Dunkin’ Donuts.