Despite retiring –– for real this time –– Tom Brady may never be ready to fully move away from football.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion came to an agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders in late May, setting him up to be part of the ownership of the franchise. 

“The opportunity came about to become a minority owner in the Raiders, it was a dream come true for me,” Brady said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I’ll be playing a very passive role. This is something that I’m interested in doing for the rest of my life. This is not something that I’m into it for a year or two years.” 

Brady, 45, grew up in the Bay Area as a 49ers fan, but can appreciate the legacy and history of the Raiders –– it’s part of the reason he wanted in. 

“They’re [the Raiders] an iconic NFL franchise,” Brady said. “When I look at a lot of the people that have impacted the NFL over a long period of time in the most positive way, (former Raiders owner and GM) Al Davis is one of them.”

Brady is just the third player in NFL history to become a team owner.

He joins the club with George Halas who owned the Chicago Bears and Jerry Richardson who owned the Carolina Panthers. 

The star quarterback is clearly finding ways to fill the extra time on his hands since hanging up the cleats in February after 23 seasons in the league. 

Brady’s 10-year, $375 million broadcasting deal with Fox Sports is awaiting the soon-to-be analyst who is anticipated to start in 2024.

Brady said the Fox job will not conflict with his investment in the Raiders. 

“I’ve got a lot of responsibility with my Fox job, which I take very seriously,” Brady said. “But if I’m looking over the course of my life, to have the opportunity to be involved in the NFL is a dream come true.” 

The Raiders, who will have Brady’s former backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, missed the 2022 playoffs but is looking to have a bounce-back season this year with a healthy mix of veteran experience and young talent.