Tom Brady hints he could return to New England, retire with Patriots

Prior to Sunday night's highly anticipated matchup between Patriots and the Buccaneers, Tom Brady said he wasn't reminiscing about his days in New England in his return to Foxborough.

Of course, once he defeated his old team 19-17, the 44-year-old quarterback admitted his return to New England was an emotional one — and then hinted he might return there someday.

"It's been a great stadium for me for a long time," Brady told reporters postgame via CBS Sports. "I don't know what the future holds. Obviously could be an opportunity to come back here. We'll see. I feel like I'll always be a part of this community. I'll be up here quite a bit when it's all said and done."

Given Brady's age, it's more likely he's talking about retiring in New England as opposed to playing there again. However, it wouldn't be all that odd if he decided to sign a one-day contract with his old team so he could retire as a Patriot, especially since team owner Robert Kraft has already expressed his desire for Brady to do so.

"When I retire I'm sure there will be a lot of time for — you know, I have a lot of friends up here and it's a great place," Brady said. "My kids were born on Beacon Street in the city. It's been an amazing place for me, it still is."

Pats fans eagerly awaiting Brady's return are going to have to keep waiting, though. Despite all of his recent reminiscing, the aging QB maintains he isn't retiring from the game in the near future.

"I still got some time left with the Bucs," he said at the end of Sunday's big game.