Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady addresses reports on rift with Bruce Arians, interest in joining Miami Dolphins

TAMPA, Fla. — Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady was adamant Thursday that he did not have any sort of rift with former head coach Bruce Arians, who announced his retirement shortly after Brady announced he was returning.

He did not, however, deny reports that he spoke with the Miami Dolphins about joining their organization in some capacity, and indicated he would not pressure tight end and close friend Rob Gronkowski to return.

«Zero whatsoever,» Brady said of Arians. «He and I have a great relationship. Part of the reason I chose here was because of Bruce. I mean, he and I have been — incredible communication — I have great respect for him. He knows how I feel about him — that's the most important thing. And I know how he feels about me.»

As for the Dolphins, who were reportedly interested in bringing Brady on-board in a front office capacity and/or as a quarterback, although he was under contract with the Buccaneers for one more season, Brady said, «I had a lot of conversations with a lot of people. I've had for the last three or four years of my career about different opportunities when I'm done playing football so, I kind of made a decision of what I'd like to do, and I'll get to be in the game of football.

»I think for me, the most important thing is where I'm at now and what I hope to do for this team. That's been my commitment to this team and this organization. It's been so much fun for me to come here two years ago. It's been almost 2½ now and it's been an incredible part of my football journey. And it's not over."

With Gronkowski, who was lured by Brady out of retirement for the 2020 season in Tampa, the two have gotten together this offseason for throwing sessions. But Brady gave no indication Wednesday of