GOAT Walks Into a Bar: Patriots' Legend Tom Brady Considering Stand-Up Comedy?

Former New England Patriots star Tom Brady reportedly delayed his Fox Sports job to score laughs instead of touchdowns.

So what's the deal with football?

A report from RadarOnline, a news site "focused on agenda-setting celebrity journalism, true crime, fashion, and pop culture," claims that former New England Patriots quarterback is dedicating the early portions of his latest retirement from professional football to pursue a career in stand-up comedy rather than the broadcasting position waiting for him at Fox Sports. 

According to the site, sources from Brady's "inner circle" claim it's not a joke ... though it sounds like Brady's attempts at comedy conversion fall a few yards short.

“Tom was a terrific quarterback, but he needs to toss this idea before it’s too late,” one source said, further claiming it's part of a plan to win back his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen. "The biggest obstacle between them was Gisele’s complaints about Tom putting football before family, so he decided to show her he’s willing to focus on them before taking the job at Fox. His only goal right now is to get his family back.”

Brady dipped his toe into comedic waters at several points of his playing career: he hosted Saturday Night Live in 2005 and made cameos as himself in the films "Stuck on You" and "Ted 2" as well as the television series "Entourage," "Family Guy," and "The Simpsons."

It was the latest entry in Brady's filmography, "80 For Brady," that apparently convinced him of a future in stand-up. Theatrically released by Paramount, the film centered on a group of friends that engages in a series of comedic hijinks in an effort to see Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Brady himself made a cameo in the film alongside fellow New England alumni Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski.

The quarterback was reportedly enthused by his comedic chemistry with co-stars Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Lily Tomlin. Stand-up, of course, is a whole different ball game. Highlights of his reported repertoire include an imitation of Gronkowski as well as an "over-the-top" Boston accent.

Time will tell if Brady is, ironically, taking comedy seriously. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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