Tom Brady retirement U-turn: 10 successful comebacks from Jordan to Foreman

Can the superstar NFL quarterback emulate the likes of Michael Jordan and George Foreman on his return to competitive sport?

(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 27, 1976 Austrian Formula One driver and World champion Niki Lauda sits in his Ferrari on Monaco race track during a training session of the 34th Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. - Legendary Formula One driver Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family said in a statement released to Austrian media on May 21, 2019. (Photo by - / AFP)

Niki Lauda (motorsport) - Lauda's greatest comeback came after suffering horrific burns in a near-fatal crash at the Nuerburgring in 1976. He was soon back in his Ferrari and went on to claim his second Formula One title the following year. The Austrian retired in 1979 but was back on the track in 1982 and won the 1984 world title driving for McLaren. AFP

Steve Luckings

Mar 14, 2022

Seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady ended his brief retirement on Sunday when he announced he would be returning for a 23rd season in the NFL.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 16, 2022 Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. - Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady said on March 13, 2022 that he has changed his mind about retirement and will return to the NFL next season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

Tom Brady ends brief retirement as NFL great says 'my place is still on the field'

Brady's decision to retire on February 1 was not unexpected but came after the future Hall of Famer had enjoyed one of the best seasons of his long career at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team he will return to for the upcoming season.

A five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and three-time NFL season MVP, Brady already has a record 243 regular-season victories as well and also holds the league's passing record.

The 44-year-old is not the first elite athlete to have second thoughts on retirement.

Above is a picture gallery of 10 successful sports comebacks - from George Foreman to Roger Clemens.

To move on to the next picture, click on the arrows or swipe on your device.

Updated: March 14, 2022, 9:13 AM