Tom Brady officially confirms his retirement after 22 years in the NFL

shutterstock_2091006538

Days after reports first broke that veteran quarterback Tom Brady was retiring, Brady himself confirmed the news in a lengthy statement on social media.

Alongside a photo of himself playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 43-year-old Brady wrote: “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.”   Later in his statement, he thanked his teammates, coaches, and loved ones, saying: “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. … I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.  The future is exciting.”

Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000 and spent the first 20 seasons of his career with the team, winning six Super Bowls. His final two seasons in the NFL were played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who Brady led to his seventh Super Bowl victory in 2021.

Brady finishes his career a five-time Super Bowl MVP, and three-time league MVP. He’s also the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP and win a Super Bowl as the starting quarterback, which he achieved at age 43.

Editorial credit: Steve Jacobson / Shutterstock.com