Tom Brady says there is no deadline for a decision following the Bucs' defeat

 Tom Brady was among the first to leave Raymond James Stadium after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 31-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night in the wild-card round of the playoffs, keeping true to his promise that he wouldn't be "taking time to smell the roses" in what might have been his final game with the team and possibly in the NFL.

In his 23-year career, he had only lost in the first round of the playoffs three times. He looked down while rinsing the perspiration from his forehead and through his tangled hair. As the two made their way to the locker room, he hugged Bucs safety Logan Ryan, who played four seasons with Brady on the New England Patriots.

Brady, who, like he did for much of the season, failed to get much going offensively against Dallas without adequate protection or a ground game, said, "Not the way we wanted to end it, but we didn't deserve it." "I think highly of them. They executed the game well. A difficult night since they made far more plays than we did.

"I feel like there's a portion of football where you sometimes get lucky, but most of the time, the team that earns it wins, and they played [great] all year," says the player.

Brady cannot be franchise-tagged due to an expiring contract and a "no tag" clause; if the Buccaneers are unable to re-sign him, Brady will turn 45 and become an unrestricted free agent. If he decides to keep playing, he will be free to sign with any team.

Brady stated, "I'm going to go home and get as good of a night's sleep as I can tonight," adding that he had no set deadline for making a choice. "I've just been paying attention to this game. Just take each day as it comes. Truly."

Brady made the decision to end his career a year ago. But 40 days later, he changed his mind, writing in a social media post, "In the past two months, I've come to the realisation that I still belong on the field, not in the stands. That moment will arrive. But not right now."

When leaving the field on Monday night, was Brady feeling any different emotions than he did at the end of the previous campaign?

Before he started thanking everyone in the room, he stated, "It simply feels like the conclusion of the season." After three seasons, it seemed to sink him that this might be the last time he spent in Tampa.

"Just a little note of gratitude for everything you guys did this year. I truly value all of your efforts. You folks must be struggling, I know. I am aware that it is challenging for us players to persevere, "He went on. "You guys have a difficult job, and I appreciate everything you do to cover us. We appreciate the support of everyone who watches and follows the sport. I adore this institution. It's an excellent location."

Brady then started to tear up.

He thanked all of the regulars for their warm welcome. "And I sincerely appreciate the respect; I hope I returned the favour to you people. I appreciate it, very much."

Brady was thanked by a number of teammates in the locker room.

Inside linebacker Lavonte David, who will also be an unrestricted free agent, said that watching someone as a youngster and then having the opportunity to interact with him in the locker room and compete against him in practise are both surreal experiences. "You see why he is the guy he is, why he's so great at playing quarterback," David said.

David continued, "I'm grateful for him without a doubt. No matter what, you're the GOAT in my eyes, I told him.

David had played in the NFL for eight seasons prior to Brady's arrival before finally experiencing the playoffs; Brady led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl triumph in Tampa in his first season there in 2020. Then, in 2021, the Bucs suffered a last-second 30-27 loss to be eliminated in the divisional round.

"He's a someone I've admired my entire life, and I've had the chance to learn from him in a variety of ways, including football and just the way he conducts himself in general. He always conducts himself with grace and humility, or at least he does most of the time "Brady, Cameron Brate remarked with a smile. Prior to joining up with Brady, the tight end had gone six seasons without making a playoff appearance. "It's fantastic that I was able to do that. Amazing fun was had playing with Tom. Who can predict what will occur with him. Like last year, I expect him to take some more time this year to decide what he's doing. But yet, it's been great."

running back rookie Brady was praised as a "amazing human being" by Rachaad White, who expressed similar gratitude.

White added that it was amazing to be able to play with him, get to know him, and just pick his brain about life in general. "Of course, it would be fantastic if he continued to play. But, you know, it's up to him. I recently turned 24 after all. He would be entering his 24th season. Ever since I was born, he has played in the league."