After a 3-year tenure with the Bucs, Tom Brady decided to call it quits. Since then, he has been busy with various business endeavors, but it’s his massive FOX deal that really catches one’s eye. Before having a go for one last season, Brady retired once more a year back, and soon after he scored a 10-year deal with the said media giant for a whopping $375 million. One year forward, and a defeated season later, Brady is uncertain, with airs of secrecy about the deal, unlike his former teammate.
While numerous reports speculate about Brady potentially backing out of the deal, there has been a surprising development involving another athlete from the Buccaneers. Despite being recruited as a replacement for Rob Gronkowski, the TE has decided to hang up his cleats and follow in the footsteps of the GOAT.
A lackluster season for Tom Brady’s teammate
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Although TB12 didn’t bid farewell to the league, even after the massive FOX deal, it’s certainly different for his ex-teammate, Kyle Rudolph. After a dominating decade with the Vikings, the TE turned free agent, initially joined the Giants, and then right to the Bucs the following year on a 1-year deal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great season for Rudolph with the Bucs. He only made three passes for 28 yards and scored a single touchdown in nine games. So, it could be the declining performance or something else entirely for Rudolph to step into a different career.
According to an article by Sports Illustrated, the NFL veteran will be joining CBS Sports to call Big Ten games this fall. Apparently, Rudolph had the taste of broadcasting last May after his debut during Notre Dame’s spring game, the same college he comes from. As the 2X Pro Bowl hasn’t signed a deal with his team, or made an official announcement for the time being, it’s almost certain that Rudolph’s playing career has come to an end.
Read More: NFL Insider Tips Kyle Rudolph to be ‘Snapped Up Quickly’ from Free Agent Pool
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Although the last season with the Buccaneers was fairly disastrous, Rudolph will still go down in history as one of the best TE in the league.
A fall from grace for the Viking’s top TE?
Before pursuing the broadcasting gig and failing to showcase his athletic prowess for the past few seasons, Rudolph was one of the most formidable tight ends in the league. In his tenure with the Vikings, the 2X Pro Bowl recorded 453 passes for 4488 yards. He also achieved an impressive tally of 48 touchdowns. He also holds a record of 100+ yards in three games. With his one touchdown with the Bucs, Rudolph now has 50 career touchdowns. Therefore, Rudolph remains the top tight end from the Vikings, with his exceptional performance over the years.
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As the Broadcasting world sees a huge restructuring, NFL athletes are increasingly showing interest in pursuing the said ventures. With an experience in the game, and huge vacancies to fill, it’s safe to say that more athletes from the league will join broadcasting gigs in the near future.
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