Brady announces his retirement from the NFL
Tom Brady announced his retirement this Tuesday morning. After several days of rumors about the future of the seven-time Super Bowl champion, six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 44-year-old quarterback has finally decided to end his career on the gridiron.
Brady’s story began in 2000 and his last on-field memory was written last Sunday, January 23, the day the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost the Divisional Round 27-30 to the Los Angeles Rams.
“I have always believed that the sport of soccer is an ‘all-inclusive’ proposition, if there is not a 100% competitive commitment, you will not succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady said in his statement. “There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge EVERY day that has allowed me to maximize my full potential. And I’ve done everything I can these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.
“This is hard for me to write, but here goes: I’m not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it’s time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention. I’ve done a lot of reflecting this past week and asking myself some tough questions. And I am very proud of what we have accomplished. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors and fans deserve 100% from me, but right now, it’s best that I leave the field to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”
Brady has been adamant for weeks that he never wanted a “farewell season,” and -0treuahora will shift his focus to new endeavors.
As late as Monday night, in an epidote on his podcast, “Let’s Go,” the quarterback had maintained that he was still going through “the process” of making a decision, and that nothing was set in stone.
Brady was at length in his thanks to the fans and the Tampa Bay organization, where he spent his final two seasons, in his statement.
“I have done a lot of reflecting over the last week, and asking myself, tough questions. I am so proud of what I have accomplished. My teammates, coaches, competitors, and fans deserve 100% from me, but now, it’s best to leave the field to the next generation of committed and dedicated athletes.
“To my teammates with the Bucs the last couple of years, I love you and loved going to battle with you. You have done so much to challenge yourselves, and inspired me to wake up every day to do my best. I will always be here for you and want to see you continue to push to be the best. I couldn’t be happier for what we accomplished together.
“To all the Bucs fans, I thank you. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here, but your support and acceptance have enriched my life and my family’s life. I’ve been fortunate to play for such a passionate and fun fan base – what a crew!
“To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-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 leadership is all a player can ask for.
Notably absent from his thanks are Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots organization and fans, where he spent the first 20 years of his career.
Don Yee, his agent, noted at the time, via media release, that “I understand the speculation advanced regarding Tom’s future. Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what is being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy. He knows the realities of the soccer business and planning a schedule like no one else, so that should happen soon.”
Now, it has been Brady himself who has officially announced his retirement.
