Official: Tom Brady announces retirement after 22 seasons

It was debated and doubted the last few days since Tom Brady’s retirement was initially reported by ESPN and other outlets.

But now, Brady has made it official himself.

The Buccaneers quarterback and possessor of a record seven Super Bowl rings has announced his retirement after 22 NFL seasons.

 

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“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 said in hisĀ statement on Instagram. “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.”

Brady appeared in ten Super Bowls, won seven NFL titles, and led the league in passing yards and touchdowns this season at age forty-four.

He is the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (84, 250) and passing touchdowns (624).

He played twenty of his twenty-two seasons with the New England Patriots.

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