It is officially the end of an era, with Tom Brady announcing his retirement after 22 NFL seasons.
Reports had been swirling about the future Hall of Fame signal-caller’s future since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ playoff exit, but Brady had said he was taking things one day at a time.
Now, his decision has been made.
“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,” Brady wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
During his 22-year career, won Brady three MVP awards, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and seven Super Bowl rings with the Patriots and Buccaneers.
