Report: Buccaneers QB Tom Brady needed all offseason to recover from knee surgery

Tom Brady hasn't revealed many details of the knee surgery he underwent following Super Bowl LV. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's knee injury was reportedly more serious than he let on. 

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Brady's procedure "was serious enough that the recovery spanned his entire offseason." 

Brady's surgery was initially referred to as a minor procedure, with Bucs head coach Bruce Arians calling it a "cleanup." Brady later referred to the procedure as a "pretty serious knee surgery" in May.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion said earlier this summer that he had a "tough offseason in terms of the rehab." However, Brady added that he feels great and is excited about the 2021 campaign.

The 44-year-old previously wore a knee sleeve for 13 years and told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that he finally feels like he can move around freely without having to wear one. 

"I'm not going to turn into Michael Vick out there but at least I'm not going to be super restricted," Brady said. 

Brady dealt with the knee injury throughout the 2020 season and still led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title. Considering he's now at full strength and knows the playbook much better, he could very well lead Tampa Bay to another championship this season. 

The Buccaneers open the 2021 season Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium.