Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 seasons, capping off a career that included seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVP honours, and three league MVP awards, as well as the all-time throwing yards and touchdowns records.
After 22 seasons in the NFL, Tom Brady has announced his retirement, ending his career as probably the greatest player in the sport's history.
In a statement posted on social media on Tuesday, the quarterback, who spent his final two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, revealed his choice.
It brings an end to an incredible career in which he was a three-time NFL MVP, five-time Super Bowl MVP, 15-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and a member of the last two All-Decade teams as well as the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
"I have always believed that 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 a statement on Twitter.
"There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximise 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."
Confirmation of his decision follows confusion on Saturday night when multiple reports announcing Brady's retirement received pushback from the player's agent and father.
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