Former Tom Brady teammate and two-time Super Bowl champ plans NFL return in 2025

Tom Brady had countless teammates over his long NFL career, but one of them still appears to be in playing shape. After winning two Super Bowl rings, that former teammate is now reportedly ready to return to the league in 2025 and join an active roster.

Brady’s final Super Bowl win came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it was there that this particular teammate also earned his second ring—his first in more than five years. Remarkably, he won both titles before turning 30.

The player in question is Shaquil Barrett, and according to his agent, he is fully prepared to play during the 2025 NFL season. It’s still unclear whether that return will be with the Buccaneers, as Barrett currently has a small contract with the team.

In 2024, Barrett was largely off the radar. He briefly signed with the Miami Dolphins as part of their practice squad but announced his retirement in July of that year. A few months later, in November, he reversed course and expressed a desire to continue playing.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: Shaquil Barrett #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 34-20. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Why did Barrett try to retire from the NFL?

According to Barrett, his main reason for stepping away was to spend more time with his family. He had been playing non-stop since 2014 and, by 2023, was no longer on an active roster—limited to practice squad opportunities.

Two Super Bowl rings

Alongside his Super Bowl win with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, Barrett earned his first ring as a member of the Denver Broncos during their 2015 championship season led by Peyton Manning. He appeared in three postseason games that year and recorded three tackles.

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Barrett’s last solid season came in 2023, when he started 16 games—just the second time in his career he reached that number. He totaled 52 tackles and 9 quarterback hits. His best year remains 2019, when he exploded for 19.5 sacks and 58 tackles, earning multiple award mentions and league-wide recognition.