Tom Brady news: Former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback confirms NFL retirement
- Sean Fisher
- 1 February 2022
Following reports earlier in the week, Tom Brady finally confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon via Instagram.
The 44-year-old is widely deemed the greatest to ever grace the NFL, and retires as the most successful player of all time with seven Super Bowls to his name.
Brady won six of his Vince Lombardi trophies at the New England Patriots, the side he joined back in 2000.
After 19 trophy-laden years in New England, Brady made a sensational switch to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won a further Super Bowl in 2021.
Reports flooded in earlier this week that Brady had decided to retire, but then contrasting reports left the entire topic up in the air.
However, Brady took to Instagram on Tuesday afternoon to confirm his retirement.
"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100 per cent 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 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."
Brady also devoted a part of his retirement message to thank his teammates, coaches, fans and family.
"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 per cent of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."
Brady's decision comes a week after the Buccaneers bowed out of the NFL playoffs in the Divisional Round, losing 30-27 to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams have now progressed to the Super Bowl, where they'll face the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13.
