Tom Brady has given an insight into his decision to end his retirement abruptly after a full 40 days in March. In an interview with Ernie Johnson, the veteran quarterback claimed he “felt some pressure” to return to football, after stating in February that he would walk aside and concentrate on other obligations.

“At this stage, it’s like 55% yes and 45% no. It’s not 100-0. That’s just the reality. It’s not that I’m not 100% committed, it’s just as soon as I make the commitment to do it, it’s like, ‘Ugh. All right, here we go.’

“It’s like running a marathon. You can’t decide two weeks before the marathon, ‘Hey, I’m going to start running.’ We got right to free agency and I felt some pressure to do it and talked to the team and organization, and it all worked out.”

Tom Brady to ESPN

Brady might finally end NFL career at end of season

This will be Brady’s 23rd season in the NFL, his third with the Buccaneers. Wide receiver Chris Godwin, who had signed a three-year contract for $60 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was among those Brady alerted once his choice was made.

Following the Buccaneers being knocked out of the playoffs by the now-Super Bowl champion Rams, Brady said that he was “partly” ready to end his career after his eighth Super Bowl appearance.