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(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 31, 2023, NFL star Tom Brady arrives for the Los Angeles premiere of “80 For Brady” at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles. Brady announced his retirement on February 1, 2023, at the age of 45 after a stellar career that included a seventh Super Bowl victory in 2021 and a temporary retirement last year. “I’ll get straight to the point: I’m retiring, for good,” Brady said in a social media video. (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP)
Miami, United States – Record-breaking NFL quarterback Tom Brady announced on Wednesday that he is “retiring for good” at the age of 45, a year after reversing his decision to quit the sport.
Brady, whose Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs last month, called time on his 23-year career in a social media video.
“Good morning, I’ll answer right away: I retired for good,” said Brady, sitting on the beach.
Widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady won a record seven Super Bowls, six with the New England Patriots before adding his final win with Tampa at the end of the 2020 season.
The quarterback had announced he would retire on February 1, 2022, but 40 days later changed his mind and said he would return for another season with the Bucs.
“I know this process is a big deal, so when I woke up this morning, I thought I’d just hit record and let you know first. So I won’t take too long,” he added.
“I think you only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used my essay last year. So, really, thank you very much, to everyone, for supporting me.
“My family, my friends, my friends, my competitors, I could go on and on, so many. Thank you, man, for letting me live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all,” he said.
Brady is due to enter free agency and has started with several teams linked to the veteran who threw for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdowns in the 2022 regular season.
The Californian left a game that holds the record in the NFL.
He was the all-league regular season leader in pass attempts (12,050), completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). He also owns all records for the post-season.
Brady won 251 regular season games and 35 playoff games, more than any player in league history.
Unflappable
Under coach Bill Belichick in New England, Brady specialized in orchestrating comeback victories with his trademark game-winning drives.
Unflappable under pressure, he has the most game-winning drives (58) and fourth quarter wins (46) of any NFL quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, responded to Brady’s announcement by sending an emoji of a goat – showing the view that Brady was the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).
Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, who recently announced his retirement, echoed that sentiment.
“Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate,” Watt tweeted.
“It is an honor and a privilege.
“PS – The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10. Drinks are already on the newbies, so bring your wallet.”
Brady’s celebrity extends beyond the NFL — in November, he and Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen announced their divorce after 13 years of marriage.
The divorce came after months of tabloid speculation about the couple’s marriage, which reportedly came under strain when Brady reversed his retirement decision.
Bundchen responded to Brady’s announcement in an Instagram post: “I wish you all the best in the new chapter of your life.”
Big sports beyond football also took note, with tennis legend Serena Williams noting on Instagram “I’m in tears watching this. Sad to see you go. Welcome to the world of retirement….. Again.”
Brady is expected to turn to a career in broadcasting having agreed to a ten-year deal with the Fox television network, reportedly worth $375 million, to work as a commentator after his football career ends.
In an interview in July with Variety magazine, he said he was looking forward to taking on a new role.
“I have a very unique perspective on football and how it should be played, and what looks good and what looks bad,” he said.
“I feel like I can still have a big impact on the game. I can stay in the game, do what I love, talk about this amazing sport.
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