MIAMI: Record-breaking NFL quarterback Tom Brady announced Wednesday that he is “retiring for good” at the age of 45, a year after reversing his decision to quit the game.
Brady, whose Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost in the wildcard round of the NFL playoffs last month, called time on his 23-year career in a social media video.
“Good morning, I’ll just get to the point: I’m retiring for good,” Brady said, sitting on a beach.
Widely viewed as the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady won a record seven Super Bowls, six of them with the New England Patriots, before adding his final win with Tampa at the end of the 2020 season.
The quarterback had announced he was retiring on February 1, 2022, but changed his mind 40 days later and said he was returning for another season with the Bucs.
“I know the process was a big deal last time, so when I got up this morning I thought I’d just press record and let you guys know first. So I’m not going to be long,” he said.
“I guess you only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine last year. So, really, thank you guys so much, each and every one of you, for supporting me.
“My family, my friends, teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there are so many. Guys, thank you for letting me live my complete dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all,” he added Said.
Brady was about to enter free agency and the rumor mill has already started, with multiple teams being linked to the veteran, who threw for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2022 regular season.
The Californian leaves the game owning a host of records in the NFL.
He is the league’s all-time regular-season leader in pass attempts (12,050), completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He also holds all post-season records.
Brady won 251 regular season games and 35 playoff games, more than any player in league history.
Under coach Bill Belichick in New England, Brady became a specialist in comeback victories with his trademark game-winning drives.
Unstoppable under pressure, he had the most game-winning drives (58) and fourth-quarter comeback wins (46) of any NFL quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, responded to Brady’s announcement by posting a goat emoji — indicating his view that Brady is the Greatest Player of All Time (GOAT). ) Were.
JJ Watt, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who recently announced his retirement, echoed the sentiment.
“Best of all time. No question, no debate,” tweeted Watt.
“It has been an honor and a privilege.
“PS – The newly retired group meets every morning at 10 a.m. on the golf course. There are drinks at New Guy’s, so bring your wallet.
Brady’s celebrity has outlived the NFL—in November, he and Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen announced they were divorcing after 13 years of marriage.
The divorce came after months of newspaper speculation regarding the couple’s marriage, which reportedly came under strain when Brady reversed his decision to retire.
Bündchen responded to Brady’s announcement on Instagram writing: “Wishing you only wonderful things in this new chapter of your life.”
Sports legends beyond football also took note, with tennis legend Serena Williams writing on Instagram, “I’m in tears watching this. sad to see you go. Welcome to the world of retirement…..again.”
Brady is expected to move into a career in broadcasting, having already agreed a 10-year deal with television network Fox, worth $375 million, to serve as a commentator once his Football career is over.
In a July interview with Variety magazine, he said he was looking forward to taking on the new role.
“I have a very unique perspective on football and how it should be played, and what good plays look like and what bad plays look like,” he said.
“I feel like I can still make a big impact on the game. I can stay in the game talking about this incredible game, which is what I love to do.