NFL great Tom Brady hangs cleats, this time for good
NFL record quarterback Tom Brady announced Wednesday that he is “retiring for good” at the ripe old age of 45, a year after his dramatic reversal of his original plans to leave the sport.
Brady, whose Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost in the wildcard round of the NFL playoffs last month, ended his 23-year career in a video on social media.
“Hello, I’ll cut to the chase: I’m retiring for good,” Brady said, sitting by a beach.
Widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady won a record seven Super Bowls, including six with the New England Patriots before adding his final triumph with Tampa at the end of the 2020 season. .
The quarterback had announced he was retiring on Feb. 1, 2022, but 40 days later changed his mind and said he was returning for another season with the Bucs.
“I know the process was pretty big last time, so when I woke up this morning I thought I’d press record and let you know first. So I won’t be long,” he added.
“I think you only get one super emotional retreat try, and I used mine last year. So really, thank you so much guys, to each and every one of you for having me supported.
“My family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there’s just too much. Thank you guys for letting me live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you all,” did he declare. .
Brady was set to enter free agency and already the rumor mill had started with several teams linked to the veteran who threw for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2022 regular season.
The Californian leaves the game with a slew of NFL records.
He is the league’s all-time regular season leader in pass attempts (12,050), completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He also owns all those records for the playoffs.
Brady has won 251 regular season games and 35 playoff games, more than any player in league history.
Imperturbable
Under coach Bill Belichick in New England, Brady became a specialist in orchestrating comeback wins with his game-winning drives.
Unfazed under pressure, he had the most game-winning drives (58) and fourth-quarter wins (46) of any NFL quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will face the Philadelphia Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, responded to Brady’s announcement by posting a goat emoji – indicating he thought Brady was greatest of all time (GOAT).
JJ Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who recently announced his retirement, echoed that sentiment.
“Greatest of all time. No question, no debate,” Watt tweeted.
“It has been an honor and a privilege.
“PS – The group of new retirees meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet.”
Brady’s stardom has overtaken the NFL – in November he and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen announced they were divorcing after 13 years of marriage.
The divorce came after months of tabloid speculation over the couple’s marriage, which was reportedly strained when Brady reversed his decision to retire.
Bundchen responded to Brady’s announcement on Instagram, writing, “Wishing you nothing but wonderful things in this new chapter of your life.”
Sports greats beyond football have also taken notice, with tennis legend Serena Williams noting on Instagram “I have tears in my eyes watching this. Sad to see you go. Welcome to the world of retirement… Again Once.”
Brady is set to embark on a career in broadcasting having already agreed to a 10-year contract with the Fox television network, worth $375 million, to work as a commentator once his football career is over.
In a July interview with Variety magazine, he said he was looking forward to taking on this new role.
“I have a very unique view of football and how it should be played, and what good games look like and what bad games look like,” he said.
“I feel like I can still have a big impact on the game. I could stay in the game, do what I love to do, talk about this amazing sport.”
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