When is Tom Brady eligible for the Hall of Fame? Explaining the timeline for Canton induction

There is no argument that Tom Brady will end up in the Hall of Fame. The question is, when will his bust be put in Canton?

The seven-time Super Bowl champion is already colloquially the "GOAT," but that doesn't mean he gets an expedited pass into the Hall of Fame. He must wait his turn, the same as any other football player.

Here's what you need to know about when Brady's timeline for his inevitable Hall of Fame enshrinement after his second (and final) retirement during the 2023 NFL offseason.

MORE: Tom Brady retires 'for good' on anniversary of last retirement

When is Tom Brady eligible for the Hall of Fame?

Tom Brady will first be eligible for the Class of 2028 Hall of Fame inductions.

Should this morning’s retirement announcement truly be the end of @TomBrady’s illustrious career, 2028 is a year worth noting. pic.twitter.com/w6xIaYKDe2

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 1, 2023

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website, football players are not deemed eligible until they've been inactive for five consecutive seasons. So, since Brady officially retired in 2023, he must wait five years.

Brady figures to have company in Canton five years from now with another contemporary. That would be former Cardinals and Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, who announced his retirement just before the end of the 2022 season. 

Tom Brady stats

Tom Brady's career stats stand apart from any player — QB or otherwise — in NFL history. He has more Super Bowl rings (seven) than any of the 32 other franchises in their history. He made 10 Super Bowl appearances and finished with five Super Bowl MVP titles.

He was NFL MVP three times, selected to the Pro Bowl 15 times and made six All-Pro rosters.

Brady also holds a handful of all-time NFL records with 649 career passing touchdowns, 89,214 career passing yards and 251 career wins among them.

SN RUSHMORE: Brady has his spot among Boston legends

Here's a few other stats for Brady as he retires after 23 seasons.

* Brady made 333 starts in his 335 games played; the two non-starts do not count toward his overall record.

How are Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees chosen?

There are 49 members of the selection committee who go through four different polls before the inductees are chosen each year. In order for the player to be inducted, they must receive at least 80 percent of the vote from the committee. 

Based on Brady's successes in his 23 NFL seasons, it is expected that Brady will make the Hall of Fame in 2028 when his name first appears on the ballot.

TSN's Jacob Camenker also contributed to this report.