GOAT GOES
Tom Brady officially announces retirement from NFL at age 44 after glittering 22 seasons as quarterback
TOM Brady officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's official announcement comes just days after rumors spread.
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"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 wrote in an Instagram post, following a photograph of him in his Bucs get-up.
"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," he continued.
"I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."
In his statement, the star went on to thank the fans, his teammates and family, alongside his coaches.
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Following the announcement, fellow players and NFL bosses paid their respects to the quarterback.
NFL GIANTS PAY RESPECTS
"Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL," commissioner Roger Goodell said.
"An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year."
Fellow legendary quarterback Peyton Manning congratulated his "friend" on "an unbelievable football career."
"To do it as long as he did, at the highest of levels is absolutely incredible. It was an honor & a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field."
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson said: "Congrats to the Greatest. @TomBrady #12."
It comes just days after rumors circulated that the star quarterback was stepping down.
Sources told that Brady's decision was likely the result of a number of factors, including health and family.
However, Brady's father, Tom Brady Sr., denied the reports of his son's retirement over the weekend.
Brady led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, marking his seventh time winning the championship game — more than any other player in NFL history.
This season, Brady led the Bucs to the divisional round game in a defeat against the Los Angeles Rams, which was played on January 23.
HUGE 22 YEAR CAREER
Tom Brady was first drafted into the NFL in 2000.
He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, during which time he won six Super Bowl titles.
Brady, an NFL MVP and future hall-of-famer, joined the Bucs in 2020.
During his 22-year career, he amassed a number of all-time records including most touchdown passes (624) and most passing yards (84,250).
Days before the Bucs divisional-round game, Brady's wife, Gisele Bundchen, shared a post about enjoying things for the final time.
The video collage shared on depicts Gisele, Brady, and their children at various locations around the world.
The supermodel is seen bathing near a waterfall, dancing with boxing gloves on, meditating with her daughter in front of a sunset, playing the guitar, and jumping around on a trampoline with her son and daughter.
One of the final flicks showed Brady and his three kids, Jack, Benjamin, and Vivan, horseback riding in what appeared to be a forest.
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Gisele added the following captions to the video collage: "Life is precious because you cannot watch it again. This is what makes life so magical. One day you will eat your less [SIC] meal. Smell your last flower. Hug a friend for the last time. Without knowing this will be the last time.
"That's why you need to do everything you love with passion. Enjoy all the years you have left. Because this is the only thing that exists."
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