Ground Control to Major Tom: It’s Sean. Lock your hatch and put your helmet on.
The Broncos’ ideal bridge quarterback has surfaced from his “Space Oddity,” otherwise known as retirement. Wouldn’t it be something if Denver attempted to lure Tom Brady back this season?
The idea is preposterous. Or is it? Why would Brady, who turns 47 on Aug. 3, want to return to the NFL? For the same reason rock stars date supermodels – because he can.
Appearing on Shadow Lion’s DeepCut Podcast, Brady was asked if he would answer the phone if a team called this upcoming season. A simple no would have sufficed. Instead, he appeared to send a message to the league.
“I am not opposed to it. I don’t know if they’d let me if I become an owner of an NFL team,” said Brady, who has been attempting to purchase a stake in the Raiders for months. “I don’t know. I am always going to be in good shape. I am always going to be able to throw the ball. To come in for a little bit, like MJ (Michael Jordan) coming back, um, I don’t know if they’d let me but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan admitted in February that he was serious about offering Brady a one-year deal to start the 2023 season when Brock Purdy’s elbow injury created uncertainty. Is it crazy to think a team won’t text Brady this summer or fall? Joe Flacco, nowhere near the player or health maven Brady is, had not started since 2017 and led the Browns to the playoffs last season.
Why would the Broncos even be in the mix? Coach Sean Payton. It wouldn’t be the first time these two have been connected. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was suspended part of last season, fined $1.5 million and the team docked a 2023 first-round pick and a third-round selection in 2024 for illegally tampering with Brady and Payton as he tried to bring them to Miami.
Wouldn’t it be funny if Payton reached out to Brady, who would have Jarrett Stidham as his backup? Just like old times. DraftKings created odds, favoring Brady staying in the Fox Broadcast booth. If he does return, the Patriots are +250, followed by the Raiders and the field at +400 and the 49ers at +800. If Brady returns, it makes sense that it would be for a contender.
But there is hope for Denver. Didn’t Jordan also play for the Washington Wizards?
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The 76ers unveiled a statue of Allen Iverson. Long overdue. The problem? It’s closer to the size of an action figure than Iverson. …
Disgraced translator Ippei Mizuhura surrendered to authorities on Friday. The federal investigation declared Shohei Ohtani as the victim of fraud in excess of $16 million. The inspection of 2,700 text messages between the pair over nearly seven years revealed no discussion of gambling, helping clear Ohtani. The documents provided show Mizuhura’s betrayal, deep gambling addiction and why Ohtani should fire everyone associated with his agency immediately. …
The college coaching carousel has finally settled with John Calipari going to Arkansas and Mark Pope taking over Kentucky. I was a little surprised more Power 5 schools didn’t try to lure away CSU’s Niko Medved. My guess is he could have landed the Oklahoma State job if he wanted, but it speaks to his comfort and loyalty to the Rams.
Mail Time
For the Nuggets, it is clear they have no legit backup to give Nikola (Jokic) a breather. The majority of folks mention Bruce (Brown when talking about bench concerns). However, I think we miss Uncle Jeff (Green) as much if not more.
Tim Schimberg
Tim raises an interesting question. I do have trepidation about Denver’s bench even as playing time shrinks in the postseason. Green averaged 17 minutes and 4 points per game over the 20-game championship run. He was a calming force. My belief is Aaron Gordon will play the five more in the postseason and Peyton Watson will shine in his limited role, making up for his lack of offense with blocks and altered shots.
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