Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL 'for good'

Greg Auman

NFC South Reporter

Tom Brady, who rewrote the NFL’s all-time marks for quarterback success with 10 Super Bowl appearances and seven championships, announced his retirement Wednesday morning at age 45.

Brady, who briefly retired last year only to return after 40 days, made it clear this time his decision was final, ending an NFL career that spanned 23 seasons, 20 with the New England Patriots and the last three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I’m retiring. For good,” Brady said in a short video posted to social media. “I really thank you, each and every one of you, for supporting me, my family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors. I could go on forever.”

Brady, a sixth-round pick from Michigan in 2000, took over as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2001 and won three Super Bowls over the next four seasons, creating an NFL dynasty with coach Bill Belichick. . After a decade without a championship, he will lead another series of three championships in five seasons, in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Brady’s career is best valued for his unprecedented team success, but he starts off as the league’s most prolific passer, finishing with the league’s all-time career ratings in nearly every passing category. , including career passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649).

But Brady was best known for stepping up in the playoffs – he finished with an unprecedented 35 playoff wins, playing the equivalent of three full playoff seasons, totaling 13,400 extra yards and 88 touchdowns there. -low.

Brady found a second chapter in his career in Tampa, leading the Bucs to a Super Bowl win in his first season in 2020 and then helping the team win back-to-back division titles over the past two years, a first. in franchise history. . This past season was his first with a losing record at 8-9. Off the pitch, he had to divorce his wife, model Gisele Bündchen.

The Bucs released a statement from the Glazer family, owners of the team, which read in part: “Tom’s impact on our franchise over the past three years has been immense and we appreciate the time we have spent with him. here in Tampa Bay. He has set an exceptional standard that has lifted our entire organization to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history. Tom’s impact will be felt within our community for many years to come and we will be forever grateful for the unforgettable memories he provided during these final seasons of his legendary career.”

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht added, “Tom’s legacy is unmatched in the history of this game. All of the Super Bowl titles and stats speak for themselves, but the impact that he’s had on so many people over the years is what I appreciate the most. His imprint on this organization has helped us get to the top of the mountain. He will definitely be missed as a quarterback, but he will will also be missed as a leader and friend. Our entire organization is indebted to him for what he has provided to us over the past three years. . We will never forget the victories or the awards and his influence will be felt for years to come. .”

The Bucs will now begin the search for Brady’s replacement, with shoes that are tough to fill. His contract with Tampa Bay was designed to allow for a strong supporting cast around him, but it also means the team will have $35 million in “dead money” cash in the salary cap over the next two years, with probably around $11 million in 2023. .

Greg Auman is FOX Sports’ NFC South reporter, covering the Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers and Saints. He’s in his 10th season covering the Bucs and the NFL full-time, after spending time at the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.

Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL ‘for good’

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