After retiring and then abruptly un-retiring, Bucs quarterback Tom Brady has been silent on the matter since his social media post announcing his come back. That is until now. Recently, Brady sat down with PEOPLE magazine to talk about coming back to the game of football.

“I think it’s just wanting to achieve the ultimate goal and the pursuit of that, of winning a Super Bowl,” Brady said. “And that’s a thing that motivates me every day. And I have a really great group of teammates and coaches to do that with.”

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

Let’s make this clear. Brady is coming back for one reason and one reason only, to win his eighth Super Bowl championship. After coming off one of his best statistical seasons in the NFL, Brady isn’t looking to just win a Super Bowl. He wants to do so at the highest level, topping what he accomplished last season.

“I want to go out there and have my best year yet,” Brady said. “It requires a lot of time and focus and energy, just like everything, every detail matters. Everything’s important. There are zero compromises to getting the result that we want. And it’s got to be 100 percent effort by everybody to accomplish our goal.”

The 44-year old starting quarterback was arguably robbed of the league’s MVP award in 2021. Last year he threw for over 5,000 yards and 40 touchdowns and continued to smash NFL records. When Brady first announced he was walking away from the game of football he mentioned he was, “not going to make that competitive commitment anymore.” That changed quickly, leaving Brady not just motivated but inspired to continue to perform at the highest level.

“Two months ago, I didn’t feel like I’d be in this place, but I feel motivated,” Brady explains. “I feel inspired to go out there and do my best this year. And I’m going to give everything I got to my teammates, just like I always have.”

Brady is now all-in for the 2023 season. A majority of the core roster is back in the fold as well as some new and familiar faces. However, Brady knows that father time is lurking around the corner. He understands this season will present plenty of its own challenges.

“They know that once I said yes, there’s no turning back, and I’ve got to commit every bit of mental toughness I have to be in this with them until the end of the season, and I’m excited for it,” Brady says. “It’ll be my greatest challenge yet.”

At 45 years old when the season starts, Brady is in rarified air. He will be the oldest quarterback to ever start a game in the NFL, surpassing Steve DeBerg. Unlike most athletes that want to continue to play but their body breaks down, Brady has done extensive work to ensure that doesn’t happen. Crediting his work with trainer Alex Guerrero as the key reason he’s able to continue playing at such a sustained level.

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I think for most athletes, what happens is their body says no, but their brain says yes,” Brady said. “And then ultimately their brain says no because their body says no. I’ve been very fortunate to have met the best person in my life, Alex, who’s taught me about my body and how to take care of it so I could walk away on my terms.”

It’s uncertain if Brady has just one year left or potentially more seasons ahead of him. Though he realizes that his time in the NFL is coming to an end. However, like the competitor he is, he’s going to do everything in his power to go out on a high note.

“I know I’m at the end, but I put myself in this position, and I want to finish strong and at the highest level,” Brady said.

The Buccaneers hope it’s with another Lombardi Trophy in his hands.