Tom Brady reveals what drew him back to football: 'I just love the competition on the field'

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for April 18

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Tom Brady dished Monday on why he decided to step back onto the field despite indicating he was going to retire from the NFL for good.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star told ESPN that, after reflecting on his decision, he started to feel like he could still physically play football. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tom Brady of the Buccaneers looks to throw against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 23, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"I knew my body, physically, could still do what it could do and obviously I have a love for the game, I think I'll always have a love for the game," the seven-time Super Bowl winner said. "I do think physically I'll be able to do it. I just felt like there was still a place for me on the field."

He added: "At the end of the day, I just love the competition on the field. And last year was a very bitter ending to a season and we've got to make a lot of corrections to try to improve and put ourselves in a better position to succeed moving forward."

NFL DRAFT 2022: ANALYST PREDICTS THE 'CULTURE-CHANGER' THE JAGUARS WILL SELECT WITH NO. 1 PICK

Tom Brady of the Buccaneers looks for a receiver against the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 23, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Buccaneers’ comeback attempt in the NFC divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams was thwarted in the final seconds. Los Angeles’ win ended one of Brady’s best seasons in recent memories.

Brady led the NFL in completions (485), attempts (719), touchdown passes (43) and passing yards per game (312.7). It was the first time he led the league in touchdown down passes since 2015 and only the third time he’s had 40 or more touchdown passes in a single season.

"I know I don't have a lot left, I really do. I know I'm at the end of my career. I wish you could go forever, but it's just not and football comes at too high of a cost now. My kids are getting older and it's just getting harder and harder to miss these things," Brady said. "But, I wanted to give myself and my teammates and our organization another incredible opportunity to accomplish something that we'd all be very proud of."

Buccaneers' Tom Brady steps up to the line of scrimmage during the playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 23, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Brady will be 45 in August.