It only took three words to send the Tom Brady rumor mill into overdrive Sunday.
The Pro Football Talk Twitter account tweeted a GIF of Brady, with the words “Soon, Faithful. Soon.”
Plenty of NFL fans immediately set out to decipher that cryptic message. Does that mean the veteran quarterback has made a decision on his future, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio knows that decision, but can’t comment?
Or was it a joke making light of the San Francisco 49ers quarterback injuries in the NFC Championship that happened about the same time?
A number of fans took it to mean Brady might be headed to the 49ers in the offseason.
“What number will Tom Brady wear since 12 is retired (John Brodie)?” tweeted a fan.
“Ever since Matt Ryan took that bad sack in the Super Bowl, Kyle said never again. He wants a QB that can move,” noted a fan.
Another fan asked, “Are you trolling or serious? Why would SF take him now after passing 3 years ago and he looks worse?”
What number will Tom Brady wear since 12 is retired (John Brodie)?
— David K (@KatzManDoIt) January 29, 2023
The 49ers are built to win now. They can keep Purdy and maybe trade Lance and get some picks back. Let@Purdy learn more behind Brady?
— Eastside BOSTON Pats Fan (@TB12foreva) January 30, 2023
Are you trolling or serious? Why would SF take him now after passing 3 years ago and he looks worse?
— Kevin (@Cwing49ers) January 30, 2023
Fans of other teams checked in with their own speculation.
https://twitter.com/markyface/status/1619838994174607360
Then again, it’s possible PFT and Florio were just having some fun, and the speculation is for nothing. It’s possible Brady still hasn’t decided himself about his future. In a Jan. 23 interview, he ranted, “If I knew what I was going to f—ing do I would’ve already f—ing done it. I’m taking it a day at a time.”