Tom Brady pays tribute to ‘supportive’ wife Gisele Bündchen and his kids Jack, Benny and Vivi as he announces retirement

TOM Brady has paid tribute to his supportive wife Gisele Bündchen and his three children as he officially announced his retirement.

The seven-time champion officially announced his retirement on Tuesday in an Instagram post days after rumors circulated that the star quarterback was stepping down.

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In the heartfelt message, Brady thanked his family, his wife Gisele Bundchen and their three children: Jack, Benny and Vivan, calling them his "greatest achievement."

"Lastly to my wife Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. 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 de minha vida," wrote.

In his statement, the star quarterback also thanked the fans, his teammates, his coaches and the city of Tampa Bay.

"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 the post, following a photograph of him in his Bucs gear.

"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.

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"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."

RETIREMENT RUMORS

The decision comes just days after rumors circulated that Brady was stepping down.

Sources told  that Brady's decision was likely the result of several 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 history.

This season, Brady led the Bucs to the divisional round game, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 30-27.

Brady was first drafted into the NFL in 2000, spending his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots - where 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 several all-time records, including most touchdown passes (624) and most passing yards (84,250).

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