Tom Brady officially retires from the NFL

Tom Brady has just announced through an Instagram post that he is officially hanging his cleats up after 22 seasons. Just a few days prior, a reliable source—Adam Schefter—and even the official NFL accounts prematurely announced Tom’s retirement.

In his 22 seasons as an NFL quarterback, Tom Brady has amassed a legacy that may never be reached. This legacy includes seven Super Bowl championships, the only quarterback in history to reach 700-touchdown passes, 84,520 career passing yards (currently the record), 97.6 career passer rating, 15 Pro Bowl nominations, and three NFL MVP awards. This is just an example of what Tom has achieved throughout his 22 seasons in the NFL.

Brady’s Instagram post announcing his retirement started with the following,

“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’s love for success is no secret when you look at accolades, various comebacks from deficit, including the 2017 Super Bowl VS the Atlanta Falcons.

“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. … I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”

Brady then proceeded to thank Tampa Bay in its entirety. “To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St.Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!”

Brady gave his extreme gratitude to the Glazier family, who own the Buccaneers, for giving him a chance so late in his career. He also thanked Tampa Bay’s GM Jason Licht for his leadership and support throughout his first free agency stint.

Brady thanked the Bucs coaching staff for their “… hard work, dedication, and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.”

The announcement also included the employees of Raymond James Stadium. “To every single Bucs staffer and employee, thank you. Each of you is critically important, and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means so much to me. Your work is made up of long hours and hard tasks, but please know I see each and every one of you. Thank you so much.”

Brady sent his thanks to personal trainer Alex Guerrero, who no doubt had a part in this extensive NFL tenure. A prime example is Brady’s ACL tear against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008. An ACL tear is a devastating injury to any football position, and Brady seemingly shook it off as if it was a small cut. Next season, Tom came back better, and more explosive than ever after an injury that should have hindered his performance.

Brady also sent a heartfelt thank you to his parents, “(and extended family of countless friends).”

Lastly, Brady thanked his wife Gisele, and children Jack, Benny and Vivi, who ultimately were the deciding factor in Brady’s decision.

“You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida *heart emoji*”

The retiring of the greatest NFL quarterback has seemingly left a void in the NFL. Whether you loved Tom, hated Tom, or tolerated Tom, it has to be admitted: without Tom Brady competing on Sunday, the NFL will not be the same for quite some time to come.