Tom Brady explains why he signed interception football for Dre Greenlaw

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady explains why he signed interception football for 49ers' Dre Greenlaw

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/13/22

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has explained why he broke a previous vow and autographed a football intercepted by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw during this past Sunday's 35-7 road loss.

"It was s--- for me, to be honest. It was complete s---," a laughing Brady told broadcaster Jim Gray about the post-game encounter during Monday's edition of their "Let's Go!" SiriusXM show and podcast, per Jenna Laine of ESPN. "But I try to be a gentleman. No, actually, I mean, look, it was a great play he made.

"I'm happy he's got the ball. I wish I didn't throw it, but I'm trying to be a good sport. Because a lot of times I'm not a good sport. I can be a pretty bad sport. In the moment when they get me in the right frame of mind, I'm actually a good sport."

The @NFL's #1 defense is goin' CRAZY.#ProBowlVote Dre Greenlaw

#TBvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/d2FDeaE8pp pic.twitter.com/JdaxF7vz5h
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 11, 2022

Class act ✍️ pic.twitter.com/sw7Egm9vYs
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 12, 2022

Greenlaw admitted to reporters shortly after Sunday's game that he approached Brady "like a little fangirl" to make his request. As Wajih AlBaroudi of CBS Sports mentioned roughly 11 months ago, Brady said in January that signing a ball intercepted by New York Jets cornerback Brandin Echols during a regular-season contest would be "the last time I'm going to do that."

It is, of course, possible Brady had an ulterior motive for experiencing a change of heart in San Francisco. The 45-year-old can become a free agent when the new league year opens in March 2023, and he's repeatedly been linked in reports and rumors with the 49ers throughout the fall months. On Sunday morning, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that "multiple sources" close to Brady "say all options are on the table" for the signal-caller beyond this season.

Brady first has plenty of on-the-field matters to worry about ahead of Christmas. The 6-7 Buccaneers remain atop the NFC South standings and in control of their playoff fate as they prepare to host the 9-4 Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.

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