Tom Brady Officially Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons in NFL

Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL officially Tuesday morning, after 22 seasons and three MVP awards with the Patriots and Buccaneers.

On Instagram, Brady opened up about the game and retiring, “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.” He wrote, “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.”

He continued, “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.”

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Brady was rumored to be retiring all weekend, and though he initially denied it, he is now officially leaving the game as one of the greatest to ever do it.

Previously, Brady hinted that he might play until age 50 but has finally announced that he will hang up his cleats at 44. He cited family obligations as the driving force behind this decision.

Interestingly, Brady not only thanked his Buccaneers teammates, Buccaneers fans, general manager Jason Licht and head coach Bruce Arians in his retirement letter but left out any reference to the Patriots.