Chicago Bears Fans, Brace Yourselves: Tom Brady Was Close to Joining Your Team!
Hey there, Chicago! Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we? Remember 2020? Not just because of the *pandemic* or the *election*, but because it was the year when Tom Brady hit the free-agent market and created a crazy buzz throughout the NFL. Our beloved Bears were in the mix, lurking in the shadows, but things didn’t quite pan out the way many hoped. But what if I told you that Brady almost chose Chicago?
The Gridiron Drama Unfolds
So, here’s the scoop. After his storied career with the New England Patriots, where he won a jaw-dropping seven Super Bowls, Brady was weighing his options. He ended up signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to victory and grabbing his eighth ring. But guess what? He was seriously considering the Bears too!
In a recent broadcast, Brady shared some juicy tidbits, revealing that Chicago was one of the teams that made a stealthy pitch to him. He explained that he had actually created a list of about 18 criteria to help him decide where to go. From salary and weather to training facilities and player talent, it was all on there. And lo and behold, Chicago had caught his eye. He said, “Chicago was a team, and I’ve never told that story before. They were very stealth in their recruitment.” Can you believe it?
The Heartbreak of What-Ifs
Now, let’s take a moment to soak this in. Imagine Brady, wearing a Bears jersey, leading the charge at Soldier Field. But in the end, it was Tampa Bay that gave him the *right vibes* including closeness to his son and a solid head coach in Bruce Arians. Plus, he had some solid players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to throw the ball to. This, dear fans, is a reminder of what could have been.
Let’s be real for a second. The Bears’ quarterback situation during those years has been, well, let’s just say it’s been challenging. From Mitchell Trubisky to Justin Fields, Chicago has had its share of ups and downs. In contrast, while the Buccaneers celebrated three straight NFC South titles and a Super Bowl win, the Bears were floating around in the NFC North, finishing second, third, and even fourth over that period.
Brady’s Stand-Up Commentary
But that wasn’t the only highlight from the broadcast. Brady also had a playful exchange with Baker Mayfield, who commented on how the Buccaneers wanted a less stressful environment after Brady’s departure. Brady quickly responded, saying, “I thought stressful was not having Super Bowl rings. This wasn’t daycare.” This banter is exactly what fans crave—real talk and a peek behind the curtain at the genius mindset that made Brady a legend.
What Now, Chicago?
So, what does it all mean for Bears fans? Let’s face it. Brady in orange and navy might have changed the entire direction of the franchise. While we can’t turn back time or rewrite history, it certainly makes you wonder what a Chicago with Brady under center could have accomplished. More wins? More playoff appearances? Maybe even a Super Bowl? Ah, the mind reels.
In the end, all we can do is sit back and revel in the “what ifs.” So, here’s to the Bears and their ongoing quest for that elusive franchise quarterback. Maybe someday, Chicago. Until then, let’s keep these bittersweet tales alive!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
