After spending 22 seasons out on the football field, seven-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady, has officially decided to retire from the NFL. He announced the news on February 1st via Instagram - just one day after he revealed during a podcast that he was still contemplating the decision to depart from the league. Here's what he had to say.
"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," his post began. "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."
The football star's retirement comes after his team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, were withdrawn from the playoffs after losing to the Los Angeles Rams. The Bucs started the game off strong with 27-3, then slowly the Rams began scoring, and it was a head-to-head game with a tie of 27-27. As the clock was ticking towards the end of the game, the Rams kicked a field goal, allowing them to move on to NFL's championship game. Essentially this was the end of Brady's career with the Bucs.
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The 44-year-old is leaving the league as the player with the most Super Bowls in the entire NFL history. But that's not all. He's also going to be remembered as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, quarterback wins in both the regular and postseason, Super Bowl appearances (10), and Super Bowl victories (7). What a career this guy has had! Even NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is aware of this. He wrote in a statement: "Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL." He added, "an incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year. Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. ... It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL." Agreed. Stay tuned while this story develops.
