Tom Brady won't be receiving another future Hall of Famer to come join him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at least not one named Barry Sanders for that matter.
Following the report announcing the Buccaneers making a trade to snatch Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, many joked a legion of retired superstars would soon join too — but not Sanders.
The Hall of Famer did, however, say he hoped to catch one of Brady's games against his Detroit Lions before he retires:
Tell @TomBrady I am flattered but not planning on coming back to play… I am hoping to get a @Lions away game at the @Buccaneers before HE retires.
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) April 22, 2020
Barry Sanders has not lined up on the gridiron for more than two decades since retiring in 1998. Sanders missed only seven regular-season games in his 10 years in the league, ironman standards for a player at the running back position.
Brady is well-armed now with receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and now Gronkowski, who is still only 30 years old.
The Bucs have a solid back on Ronald Jones II and could still get more help down the line, including whatever they can muster in the NFL Draft.
In hindsight, Brady will need more young legs to complement his game now that he was experienced receivers to target in third downs and other critical spots of the game.
He's made a career out of highlighting players' best assets on the field and this 2020 season should be no exception, even if he has slowed down a bit from his prime years.
At 42 years old, Brady will take all the help he can get in pursuit of one last piece of hardware before he calls it a career.
Follow Us
Subscribe