Tom Brady, one of the most recognized sportsmen in the world and a living superstar in NFL history, has announced his retirement—reportedly for good this time.
The 45-year-old quarterback announced the end of his record 23-year NFL quarterback career in a brief video posted on Twitter.
Truly grateful on this day. Thank you 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/j2s2sezvSS
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2023
Brady’s retirement announcement comes precisely a year after he announced his first retirement. Just 40 days later, he changed his mind and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another season.
Brady pledged this time that his retirement would be “for good,” and he kept it more low-key.
He understands it was a huge thing last time, so when he got up this morning, he decided he’d just push record and let all know first, Brady said in the video. He won’t go on and on. One only gets one extremely emotional retirement essay, and he used mine last year, so thank you so much to each and every one for their support.
Brady went on to mention his family, friends, teammates, and opponents. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to fulfill his ultimate dream. He added that he wouldn’t alter a single thing.
Brady leaves behind one of the most illustrious careers in sports history. He is largely recognized as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, and he was the driving force behind the New England Patriots’ dynasty from 2001 to 2019.
He owns virtually every major quarterback record and is the all-time leader in career quarterback victories in the NFL. He has the most Super Bowl victories of any player, as well as the most Super Bowl MVP titles.
Brady is also known for his career longevity, having played well far into his 40s, which is an uncommon achievement for any professional athlete. He joined the Buccaneers in 2020 and helped them win Super Bowl LV. At the age of 43, he became the oldest starting quarterback in a Super Bowl and the oldest individual to be crowned Super Bowl MVP.
His last season as an NFL star was his poorest, with the Bucs finishing with an 8-9 record, yet he still passed 4,694 yards, the third most in the NFL, and scored 25 touchdowns.
Brady’s choice to retire from the NFL comes after a year of personal turmoil for him: in October, he and his wife Gisele Bündchen announced their divorce, ending a 13-year high-profile celebrity marriage.
But, even if his quarterback career is now over, Brady will have enough to keep him occupied. After signing a contract with Fox Sports last year, he is expected to begin work as a TV presenter. The pact is allegedly for $375 million over 10 years.
He also operates the TB12 Sports health and wellness firm, as well as the Brady Brand apparel brand. He’s even ventured into film, producing the comedy 80 For Brady, which follows a group of elderly ladies on a trip to see Tom Brady in Super Bowl LI. It is set to be released this weekend and stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and Brady himself.
Love him or loathe him, Tom Brady had one of the most successful careers in sports history and will be remembered as the greatest NFL quarterback of all time. His retirement effectively marks the end of an era.
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