Tom Brady has officially retired from the National Football League.
Reports of the veteran quarterback’s retirement had been circulating for days before he officially confirmed it in a lengthy and emotional message posted to social media.
Brady, 44, posted a photo of himself with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the caption, “I’ve done a lot of reflecting this past week and have asked myself difficult questions.” And I am very pleased with our accomplishments. The field of play is best left to the next generation of passionate and committed athletes, but my teammates, coaches, other competitors, and spectators deserve my undivided attention and effort.
It pains me to put it in writing, but I’m not going to make that competitive promise any more. I’ve enjoyed my time in the NFL, but there are other things that need my attention at the moment.”
He said, “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs,” before thanking his teammates, coaches, and loved ones. I shall always have these in my heart and think about them regularly. I know I’m one of the luckiest people alive.
QB Tom Brady
Brady, Tom. Image Credit: CLIFF WELCH/ICON SPORTSWIRE/GETTY
While he doesn’t know “exactly what my days will look like,” he’ll “take it day by day,” and his goal is to “enrich other people’s lives,” Brady stated, “The future is exciting.”
The part of his speech addressed to Gisele Bündchen and their three children stood out. Brady told me, “You are my motivation.” I am most proud of our family. After each game, I’d return home to the most devoted and understanding wife, who always made sacrifices for our family so that I could give my best to my profession. Because of her selflessness, I was able to take my career to new heights, and I cannot express how much you mean to me and my family.
After being chosen by the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady stayed with them for the first 20 years of his career, during which time they won six Super Bowls with him at center. Brady guided the Buccaneers to their seventh Super Bowl triumph in 2021 during his final two seasons as an NFL player.
The Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs in the divisional round a month prior to Tuesday’s major announcement. After the defeat, many speculated that Brady could finally retire. When asked about it, he initially balked and said he was handling things “day by day.”
After the Buccaneers’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he told reporters, “Honestly guys, I’m thinking about this game.” “I’m not planning ahead more than five minutes.”