Tom Brady’s lengthy and legendary career has officially come to an end. The iconic quarterback announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 22 professional seasons, leaving behind a legacy that made him one of the most prolific names in all of sport.
The 44-year-old Brady spent 20 years with the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning seven Super Bowls, three league MVPs and five Super Bowl MVPs in the process. Brady set NFL career passing records with 7,263 completions on 11,317 attempts for 84,520 yards and 624 touchdowns. He also played with and against countless players from multiple generations in that span.
Brady said he was quitting the sport after deciding he could no longer make the “competitive commitment” to continue. “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,” Brady wrote.
“There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge every single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential…
“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore.
“I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”
News of his imminent retirement had been reported by ESPN citing multiple sources close to the player on Saturday.
“My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs,” Brady said Tuesday.
“When you’re in it every day, you really don’t think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against — the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT.
“I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell commented: “Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year. Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for years. He inspired fans in New England, Tampa and around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history. It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL. We thank him for his many contributions to our game and wish Tom and his family all the best in the future.”
