Conor McGregor recently hailed NFL icon Tom Brady as a champion, waxing lyrical about his love for the sport of American football. This comes shortly after news of Brady's return from retirement broke.Brady bowed out of the game after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC South championship last season. Along with his band of speedsters, Brady previously raised the coveted Super Bowl by pipping the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 season at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.In a recent post on social media, the 44-year-old revealed that he was making a comeback as the Buccaneers' quarterback.Tom Brady@TomBradyThese past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG04:43 AM · Mar 14, 2022587471132928These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG https://t.co/U0yhRKVKVmIn the wake of these developments, former two-division UFC champion McGregor took to Twitter to congratulate Brady on his return to active competition. In the same post, the Irishman praised the Bucs' shot-caller for sporting an Irish spirit.In addition to the well wishes and cheers, the Dubliner also shared an image of a popular Irish-centric periodical, Irish America. That particular edition in January 2006 featured Tom Brady on the cover."Champions come back stronger and better! Love the sport and it shows! Tom Brady - thank you for the Irish spirit and the big news!"Conor McGregor@TheNotoriousMMAChampions come back stronger and better! Love the sport and it shows! Tom Brady - thank you for the Irish spirit and the big news! ☘️ @TomBrady5:54 PM · Mar 14, 20223091121Champions come back stronger and better! Love the sport and it shows! Tom Brady - thank you for the Irish spirit and the big news! ❤️☘️ @TomBrady https://t.co/kGZ4I0qXU4Conor McGregor resumes high-intensity trainingIn a recent post on social media, Conor McGregor alluded to the fact that he had taken up high intensity training yet again. The development comes shortly after McGregor was seen getting some light padwork in.On Twitter, McGregor shared a picture of himself alongside his trusted aides, getting his hands wrapped in anticipation of his training session."Getting ready for some power pad work in the sunshine with coach Raj and my masseuse Dr.Pain, Vasile! Team [McGregor FAST]"Conor McGregor@TheNotoriousMMAGetting ready for some power pad work in the sunshine with coach Raj and my masseuse Dr.Pain, Vasile! 🥊 Team @mcgregorfast! #LetsGo01:39 AM · Mar 14, 202211853369Getting ready for some power pad work in the sunshine with coach Raj and my masseuse Dr.Pain, Vasile! 🥊 🌞 Team @mcgregorfast! #LetsGo https://t.co/IMlo3i6oOtConor McGregor last featured inside the octagon in a lightweight bout against long-time nemesis Dustin Poirier. Their trilogy fight at UFC 264 back in July 2021 was expected to mark the end of their rivalry inside the octagon.However, the Crumlin native suffered a horrific injury towards the end of the first round of their clash, resulting in a loss by way of a doctor's stoppage. McGregor has been shackled to the sidelines ever since.With his recovery well underway, 'The Notorious' is expected to make his way back to the octagon this summer.