American Football: Tom Brady Officially Announces Retirement In Emotional Message After Glittering 22-Year Career
American football legend, Tom Brady has on Tuesday official announced his retirement after 22 years in the sport, thanking fans, coaches and team-mates for their support down the years.
The iconic 44-year-old, the most decorated player in the history of the league, suffered defeat in the National Football League playoffs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
There were widespread reports that Brady had retired at the weekend but his agent and father hit back at the rumours at the time, insisting the veteran quarterback was still yet to make a decision.
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However, an emotional Brady confirmed he had called it a day in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon.
He began by saying;
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.
There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge every single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment any more.
I have loved my NFL career and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!
Brady expressed;
To the city of Tampa and the entire Tamp-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade! To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.
I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved, My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.
He concluded;
To my Bucs teammates, the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day to give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn’t be happier what what we accomplished together.
Brady previously hinted he could be tempted to play on into his 50s but the quarterback decided to call it a day after a period of reflection in the wake of the loss to Los Angeles Rams.
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He walks away as the NFL’s career leader in numerous passing categories and most prolific winner. He’d also be going out at the top of his game.
Brady signed a one-year, $25 million contract extensions guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win last year. That deal included a $20 million signing bonus, $15 million of which would have been paid to him on Friday.
So by retiring, Brady likely saved the Bucs $15 million, although they can choose to pay out his full signing bonus.
The undisputed greatest football player of all-time, Brady leaves the sport with more yards passing (84,520) and touchdowns throws (624) than any quarterback in NFL history.
However, beyond those basic stockpiles of stats, Brady’s legacy will be marked by his longevity and big game performances.
When he went over the 5,000-yard plateau for this season, during a game against the Carolina Panthers on January 9, Brady — at 44 — became the oldest quarterback to ever hit that mark.
Brady is the only player to be the Super Bowl MVP five times, and has been named the league’s top regular-season player three times.
He played 20 of his 22 seasons for New England Patriots, elevating that previously mediocre Massachusetts franchise into one of the sport’s most revered dynasties.
With Brady under center, the Patriots played in nine Super Bowls and won six, in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Brady then stunned the football word in spring 2020, leaving New England for Tampa Bay and led the team to win different titles.
