From Deflategate to Meddling in Miami: A look at Tom Brady's NFL scandals

Tom Brady may be one of the most decorated NFL players of all time, but Brady’s 23-season long career has not been a squeaky-clean affair. The legendary quarterback actually got caught up in some major NFL scandals throughout his career. Let's take a look back at some low points of an otherwise stellar career.

During the 2022 NFL offseason, the Miami Dolphins tried securing Sean Payton as their head coach and Tom Brady as the starting quarterback. An ambitious maneuver to try and bring back the Dolphins to their former glory.

Tom Brady was involved in the negotiations with the Miami Dolphins, hoping to receive an ownership stake in the franchise.

After an investigation, the NFL determined the rumors were true and sanctioned Stephen M. Ross for tampering with players and coaches under contract. The franchise was fined $1.5 mn and was forced to forfeit two draft picks for that year.

Tom Brady announced his NFL retirement during the 2022 offseason. The most decorated quarterback of all time was ready to hang his boots.

Brady’s closest rivals in the NFC South didn’t get rid of him so quickly...He announced he would stay with the Buccaneers for the rest of their season.

Just two months after his announcement, Brady retracted his words and stated to the press: “These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field”.

There are many theories behind his retirement stunt in 2022, some argue it was an economically driven decision. Nevertheless, the real reasons will never be known.

Tom Brady was involved in a major NFL scandal, back in 2014, when he was accused of equipment manipulation.

Tom Brady was accused of requesting an equipment manager to deflate some of the balls that would be used during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Patriots would end up victorious against the Colts, with a mindblowing 45-7 score. Tom Brady completed 23 passes out of 35 attempts, resulting in 3 TD passes and 226 yards to his name.

The NFL conducted a lengthy investigation and Brady was found guilty by the NFL. He was suspended for four games, and the franchise faced a fine of a million dollars.

The New England Patriots were a football powerhouse, winning a total of six Super Bowl rings out of nine appearances.

The franchise's success was partly due to the great quarterback-head coach chemistry between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Many NFL fans believed Brady would eventually retire with the Patriots, yet a massive turn of events placed the legendary quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The reasons behind Brady’s departure are still uncertain, however, there are theories that point to a deteriorating relationship with the head coach, Bill Belichick.

Regardless of the scandals surrounding Tom Brady's three-decade career, he remains one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. A legend not far from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.