Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, made an official retirement announcement from the NFL on Tuesday, stating in an Instagram post that he is “not going to make that competitive commitment anymore.”
Brady made the following statement via Instagram: “I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition — if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.” Every day presents a physical, mental, and emotional challenge that has enabled me to reach my full potential. In addition, over the past 22 years, I have made every effort. There are no quick fixes to success in life or on the field.
“It’s hard for me to write this, but here goes: I will no longer make that commitment to compete. I have thoroughly enjoyed my NFL career, but it is time to devote my time and effort to other tasks that require my attention. Over the past week, I’ve done a lot of thinking about things and asked myself tough questions. Additionally, our accomplishments make me extremely happy. I owe everything to my coaches, teammates, competitors, and fans, but right now, it’s best for me to leave the field of play for the next generation of dedicated athletes.”
Brady, 44, is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. He won five Super Bowl MVP awards in addition to seven Lombardi trophies, which is the most a single player has ever won.
With his personal and team accomplishments, he altered a significant portion of the NFL record book. In his 22 seasons, 20 of which were spent with the New England Patriots, he set records for the most passing yards and touchdown passes (84,250) and most touchdown passes (624) in his career.
Brady said in his statement, “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs.” You really don’t think about any kind of ending when you’re in it every day. However, as I sit here now, I am reminded of all the great players and coaches with whom I had the privilege of playing; the competition was intense and deep, just as we like it. However, the relationships and friendships are just as intense and deep. I will keep these memories in my mind, treasure them, and revisit them frequently. I believe I am the luckiest person in the world.
Brady, who led the Buccaneers to last year’s Super Bowl and this year’s NFC South championship, has insisted for weeks that he has never wanted a “farewell season.”
According to team sources, Buccaneers executives and coaches have been anticipating Brady’s retirement in recent weeks, realizing that it was more than likely that he would step down after the season.
Brady wrote in his post, “To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you.” You have gone to great lengths to test yourself, and it has motivated me to wake up every day and do my best for you. I’m always here for you and want to see you keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be. I am overjoyed with everything we have accomplished together.
Brady thanked the Buccaneers, his business partners, his agents, and his family in his announcement. In his statement, he reflected on his career but did not specifically mention his time with the Patriots or anyone associated with the team. However, he later thanked the team and its fans in response to a statement issued by Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“Words cannot adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots, and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career,” Kraft said in his statement. “Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady.” A generation of football fans has only known an NFL where Tom Brady was the dominant player.
“His success was fueled by his competitiveness, determination, and will to win, and you didn’t have to be a Patriots fan to respect and appreciate them. It was an honor to watch as a football fan. It was a dream come true for me as a Patriots fan.”
ESPN said that Brady had decided to retire, but the Bucs and Brady’s family said that no final decision had been made. Brady admitted on his SiriusXM podcast on Monday that he wasn’t ready to make his plans official.
When Brady signed with the Buccaneers in March 2020, he immediately added another chapter to his story by winning his seventh Super Bowl title, the first by a team in its own stadium. His 20 seasons with New England had already established his legacy.
Tuesday, Bucs coach Bruce Arians stated, “Tom joined us as the greatest football player of all time, and he quickly showed everyone in our organization what that meant.” He established a standard and contributed to the development of a culture that led our team to success.
Being his head coach for the past two seasons has been an honor. It would have been nice if it hadn’t ended, but very few players are able to quit the game on their own terms. Even fewer are able to do so while competing at the highest level. The exception is Tom. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for what he has done for our team, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best as they move on from football.”
Brady finishes with a record of 243-73 during the regular season and 35-12 in the playoffs. He was named to the Pro Bowl 15 times and won three MVP awards.
Brady was selected 199th overall in the 2000 draft. In 2001, he took over for an injured Drew Bledsoe and led New England to a Super Bowl victory over the heavily favored Rams.
Following the 2003-2004 seasons, Brady led the Patriots to consecutive Super Bowl victories. Since then, no team has won the title again.
However, New England would not win another one for a decade, losing the Super Bowl twice to the New York Giants, losing 17-14 on February 3, 2008, which ended the Patriots’ perfect season.
After the 2014 season, Brady received his fourth ring. Two years later, in the greatest Super Bowl comeback, he led the Patriots from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to an overtime victory for No. 5. After the 2018 season, Brady won his sixth championship when New England defeated the Rams.
He made it to the postseason 19 times, won 18 division titles, was 10-4 in conference championships, and was 7-3 in Super Bowls.
Brady started every game after making his debut on Sept. 30, 2001. The only exceptions were when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 of 2008 and the first four games of 2016 when he was suspended due to the Deflategate scandal.
Brady, who was known for his hard work, intense exercise routine, and strict diet, got better as he got older.
Brady won four Super Bowls and went 17-4 in the playoffs after turning 37. In those eight seasons, he was 95-30, completed 65.2% of his passes for 35,371 yards, 265 touchdowns, 69 interceptions, and a passer rating of 100.2 in the regular season.
In a statement that was released on Tuesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL.” His stellar career is remarkable not only for its length but also for the consistent excellence he displayed year after year. He is an incredible competitor and leader.
“Tom improved the lives of those around him and appeared to always rise to the occasion in the most critical situations. With one of the greatest NFL careers, he inspired fans worldwide and in New England, Tampa, and elsewhere. Having him in the NFL and watching him compete has been an honor. We wish Tom and his family every success in the future and express our gratitude for his numerous contributions to our game.
After a storied 23-year NFL career in which the star quarterback won seven Super Bowls and set numerous records, Tom Brady has announced that he will retire from football “for good.”
On Wednesday, Brady made the announcement via social media, stating that he “wouldn’t change a thing” about his career.
