Tom Brady's NFL Teams
Tom Brady played for two franchises during his 23-season NFL career: the New England Patriots (2000–2019) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022). He was drafted by New England in the 6th round (199th overall) in 2000 and remained there for 20 seasons, establishing the franchise record for most games played and leading New England to six Super Bowl wins. He signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in March 2020, playing three seasons and winning Super Bowl LV in the 2020 season. Brady never played for any other professional team in the NFL.
Career Timeline at a Glance
| Team | Season(s) | Super Bowl Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 2000–2019 | XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII | Drafted 199th overall; franchise record for games played |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2020–2022 | LV | Signed as free agent; played three seasons |
New England Patriots (2000–2019)
Brady joined the Patriots in 2000 as a backup and developed under coach Bill Belichick. He became the starting quarterback early in his second season and held the role for two decades. During this span, the Patriots won six Super Bowls and set numerous regular-season and postseason records. Brady left via free agency after the 2019 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020–2022)
In March 2020, Brady signed a two-year contract with Tampa Bay. He led the Bucs to victory in Super Bowl LV (2020 season) and continued playing through the 2022 season. After restructuring his contract in 2023, he retired from the NFL following that season.
Key Context on Team Changes
Brady’s move from New England to Tampa Bay was notable because it marked the first time he changed teams in his professional career. His decision was driven by a desire for a new challenge and a contract opportunity that extended beyond what New England could offer at the time. Media coverage and public discourse focused heavily on the transition, but on-field performance remained consistent, culminating in another championship run with Tampa Bay.
Comparison Snapshot
- Total NFL teams: 2
- New England Patriots tenure: 20 seasons
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers tenure: 3 seasons
- Total Super Bowl appearances: 10
- Total Super Bowl wins: 7
Common Questions About Brady’s Teams
Because Brady spent the majority of his career with one franchise, many questions center on the transition. Below are concise clarifications on recurring points related to his team history.
- Was Brady traded from New England? No; he left as a free agent.
- Did Brady ever play for another NFL team? No; only the Patriots and Buccaneers.
- Did Brady finish his career elsewhere? No; he retired after the 2022 season with Tampa Bay.
- What notable records did he set with each team? With New England, he set the franchise record for wins and playoff appearances. With Tampa Bay, he became the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl.