Tom Brady unretiring changed the NFL schedule this year

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady’s decision to retire then unretire actually forced NFL schedule makers to alter plans.

Shortly after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ elimination by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 23 years. That retirement lasted around a month, as he revealed that he would be returning to the Buccaneers for another year. If you thought Brady’s decision only changed the team’s plans, you are wrong.

During an interview with Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, NFL broadcasting chief Howard Katz revealed that Brady’s decision to unretire actually altered the schedule plans.

Tom Brady unretiring altered the NFL’s scheduling plans

“When Tom Brady retired, we were concerned about the strength of the NFC package because there were so many terrific Tampa Bay games we were looking at,” Katz said, h/t JoeBucsFan.com. “Then a month later he un-retires and we sort of started all over again.”

It will be interesting to see how the scheduling plans have altered, and fans will not have to wait long to find out. The league is set to announce the full schedule on Thursday, May 12.

Even though that Brady is back, there are changes on the team. Bruce Arians has retired and transitioned to a front office role, with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles being promoted as head coach. Offensive guard Alex Cappa left for the Cincinnati Bengals. They brought in other players such as defensive back Logan Ryan, offensive guard Shaq Mason and safety Keanu Neal.

The Buccaneers look to make a return trip to the Super Bowl this upcoming season. Given how stacked the AFC is, it may not be too difficult for Tampa Bay to clinch a berth.

Stay tuned, as we will keep you posted on all of the NFL scheduling news when it is made available.