Tom Brady, who began his improbable career as a sixth-round draft choice and went on to become the most decorated quarterback of all time, will hang up his cleats after 22 seasons.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller is retiring from football after a career that saw him win an unprecedented seven Super Bowl titles, the National Football League confirmed on Twitter. At 44, Brady is ancient by NFL standards, yet he continued to play at or near an MVP level in the season that just ended with a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
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The announcement attracted tributes on Twitter, with Brady’s longtime Patriots teammate Julian Edelman writing, “Thanks for the memories, babe.”
7x Super Bowl champion Tom Brady retiring after 22 NFL seasons. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/jUYaLvrYg8
— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2022
Retweet this to congratulate @TomBrady on a LEGENDARY career.#ForeverNE | #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/dCA7o2Vn2k
— Super Bowl LVI on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 29, 2022
Brady has yet to make an announcement himself, but he hinted after his last game that the decision could come soon.
“I understand at this stage in my career there is going to be interest in my future whenever a season ends, but this week, all that is on my mind is the gratitude I have for this team and the fans that have supported us all year long,” he said in a statement.
Brady’s agent Don Yee indicated Brady is “the only person” who can announce his plans “with complete accuracy.”
“I understand the advance speculation about Tom’s future. Without getting into the accuracy or inaccuracy of what’s being reported, Tom will be the only person to express his plans with complete accuracy,” he said. “He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon.”
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For nearly all of his career, Brady teamed with New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick to form a dynasty. Two years ago, Brady left for the Buccaneers, leading them to a Super Bowl title in his first year there.
This past season, Brady threw for a league-best 43 touchdowns, giving him an all-time record of 624 for his career. He also holds the all-time record for passing yardage, with 84,520.
