IRONMAN IS BACK IN THE BUILDING

Patrick: Well, well, well…so Tom Brady has returned, and he’s ready to get it on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in his 23rd NFL season. Big-time ripples, fellas. I’m not sure what to think. I will reiterate that I am a huge Brady fan, so I’m definitely thrilled to have, at least, 17 more games to rock with him…

Donald: Patrick, I wouldn’t get too upset at the man. I mean, Mr. Brady went home, spent some time with his family, watched some walls, ate a few nice meals…and realized he was just so not ready to wrap it up. Still in shape, strong as an ox or, at least, as tough as one. Of course, there are going to be a ton of folks up in arms the entire year about how he’s not supposed to be in the NFL, but at home in his rocking chair.

Russ: Obviously, the rocking chair will only get play Monday through Saturday, because Tom is back!

John: Indeed he is. I like it. I mean, the man is still, arguably, the best quarterback in the game…at the tender age of 44 years old.

Patrick: 44 years young!

Russ: I just read about the man who bid on and won what was at the moment Tom Brady’s “final” TD pass of his career. Obviously not a good move.

Donald: I hadn’t heard about this. How much did he pay?

Russ: 518,000 smackeroos.

Donald: Get outta here!Patrick: Nah, he’s not lying. I have to guess it’s no longer worth thousands; I’m guessing more like $500.

John: If nothing else, the guy will always be a part of history’s trivia: Who is the guy who bought what was, presumably, Tom Brady’s last touchdown pass?

Patrick: Horrible. You know what, though? I bet you Tom will come through and either purchase the ball outright from the fan…or sign it or something to up its value. Just seems like something he would do.

Donald: All right, enough about this. What about every other quarterback and team in the league—especially the NFC? How do you think they’re feeling?

John: You’re right. Can you imagine what the other teams in the Buccaneers’ division— the NFC South—must feel like? On one hand, it keeps their division relevant…but, on the other hand, the opportunity to get into the playoffs is lessened. The Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints—who recently lost Drew Brees to retirement— and the Bucs were going to battle it out for Houston QB Deshaun Watson, with the winner becoming the favorite in the division. Just like that, it doesn’t even matter.

Russ: Hey, now, let’s not disrespect Deshaun Watson. He’s a damn good quarterback and if he does land in the division, then, in my opinion, there’s no telling what could happen. At the very least, a secondplace finish is a near-definite.

Donald: Yeah, man, we see players who were about to leave, now staying. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob Gronkowski—Brady’s tight end—comes out of his recent retirement also. Those two have won 4 Super Bowls together in only 11 seasons.

Patrick: That would be kinda cool. Although, I’m pretty sure Aaron Rodgers might not think so.

John: Yeah, he was looking fairly clear and free to get to the Super Bowl this year.

Donald: Mr. Brady done upended some things. I bet a lot of quarterbacks will want to go hard at him. All of the trades and speculation and things when he retired, and now this. Might be some feelings involved.

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Vendor Russell Adams

Vendor John Hagan

Vendor Donald Morris

Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards