Shaq Barrett, who just hung up his cleats, is already teasing an NFL return after Tom Brady, and we’re here for the drama! Barely a month into his retirement, the former Buccaneers star hinted on the Up & Adams show that he’s got one foot out the door—literally. 

“There’s one scenario that might be able to bring me out of retirement… a perfect, perfect scenario,” Barrett asserted, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. “It’s a location in a team. It ain’t got nothing to do with the Super Bowl, location… it’s just one thing that I’ll come out of retirement for. Geographically, it’s a location where I might have a home, and I have played for this team before.” 

And Kay Adams, not missing a beat, shot back, “You’re returning to Tampa!” Barrett, with that classic smile, didn’t deny it outright but didn’t confirm it either. “I’m not returning anywhere. I’m happily retired. But if the perfect scenario happens… like Tampa, what they did for my family, it was highly unexpected. But yeah, Tampa’s got a special place in my heart.” So, you’re saying there’s a chance, Shaq Barrett?

The Tampa Bay linebacker’s been through a whirlwind lately. After signing a one-year deal with Miami, he called it quits to focus on his family following a heartbreaking tragedy—the loss of his 2-year-old daughter, Arrayah. Barrett announced on IG that he’s ready to dedicate himself fully to his wife and kids, saying he’s been contemplating this decision for a while and feels more certain about it now than ever. “I’m ready to shift my full focus to my wife and kids and helping them realize their dreams,” the 31-year-old asserted.  

But let’s be real: Tampa’s always going to have a piece of his heart. The Bucs backed him through thick and thin, and that’s not something you just walk away from. So, while he’s technically retired, Shaq Barrett’s love for the game—and maybe a little for Tampa—might just pull him back. And let’s face it, the Bucs could use another hero after Tom Brady’s out of the picture. Speaking of Tom Brady, it seems the former Pats’ legend is quite busy this year.

Tom Brady’s new playbook: From FOX Sports to fatherhood and beyond 

The ex-Bucs QB’s already lined up a record-breaking deal with FOX Sports for whenever he decides to hang up his cleats. The network just dropped the news that Brady will team up with Kevin Burkhardt as their lead analyst to call all the biggest games. Beyond that, he’ll serve as an ambassador, handling client and promotional initiatives. 

Brady’s shifting gears this year, recalibrating his priorities and making sure his energy goes where it matters most. Right now, that means focusing on his kids and being the best dad he can be—being present, involved, and cherishing the family moments. “It’s a big year of kind of recalibrating some different things. I’m just trying to set my priorities and allow my time and energy to be focused on those,” he asserted. But Brady’s also looking at the long game. 

The 47-year-old’s diving deep into several ventures, from collaborating with Hertz and growing his apparel and health and wellness brands to nurturing his small media business. He’s also navigating the path of becoming a part-owner of the Raiders. Each of these endeavors brings its own kind of joy and fulfillment, keeping him excited about what’s ahead.

For now, Brady’s still juggling a lot. Let’s see how this year shapes up for him.