The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ website on Monday morning said it all.
“Tom Brady is Back!” it read in bold black letters. “Join the Waitlist for 2022 Season Tickets.”
The headline, of course, referred to Brady’s decision to unretire. Less than two months after he ended his 22-season N.F.L. career, Brady, 44, reversed course Sunday night by announcing on social media that he would return to the league and to Tampa Bay.
“I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” he wrote.
After Brady’s first announcement, with its franchise centerpiece departed, Tampa Bay looked like it would need to rebuild to stand a chance of competing.