With the news of Tom Brady’s retirement, we can start looking ahead to when the greatest quarterback of all time gets into the Hall of Fame.
The question is not if, but when.
For Tom Brady, the greatest career in NFL history ended on Saturday, with the news of his impending retirement at age 44. After seven Super Bowl victories, 10 appearances, three MVPs, five Super Bowl MVPs and 15 Pro Bowls, Brady is walking away. Certainly, nothing to prove.
Now the question is whether Brady goes into Canton early, or if he has to wait the mandatory five-year waiting period. Assuming the Pro Football Hall of Fame doesn’t change its rules to allow Brady early induction, we’re looking at an unreal Class of 2027.
Brady will almost certainly be joined by former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and potentially long-time teammate and star tight end Rob Gronkowski in the same group. While there have been some star-studded classes in the past, that would rank right among the very best.
What year will Tom Brady go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Brady walks away the most accomplished player in NFL history. While there are others who dominated their positions by an even larger historical margin like Jerry Rice for wide receivers, Brady loomed over the game in spectacular fashion.
While the Super Bowl wins are most impressive and important, consider that in 20 years with the New England Patriots, Brady reached 13 AFC Championship Games while winning the AFC East 17 times. From 2011-18, Brady and the Patriots accomplished both feats every year.