Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, has officially announced his retirement from NFL.
In an Instagram post, Tuesday, Brady explained, “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.”
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His statement continued “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 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. 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”.
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The 44-year-old, who’s considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, continued, “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. 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. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
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In his statement, hanging up the proverbial socks, Brady thanked his teammates, family, and everyone at the Buccaneers. He said, “To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you,” Brady said in his post. “You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and 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 with that we accomplished together.”
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At the end of his career, Brady has amassed a lot of achievements including seven Lombardi trophies, the most championships won by any single player in NFL history, and five Super Bowl MVPs. Brady’s career records include the most touchdown passes, which is 624, and most passing yards, which is 84,250. Of the 22 seasons he played, 20 were with the New England Patriots.
