Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from the National Football League on Feb. 1 after playing for 22 seasons. The 44-year-old finished his final season leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. As Brady continued to defy father time by finishing in the top three in NFL’s MVP voting, many saw it as a surprise that he chose to step away now.
“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… 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,” Brady said via social media. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore… it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.ďż˝?
Brady finished his career as the all-time leader in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, games started and wins.
Brady held a 243-73 win to loss record in the regular season and a 35-12 record in the playoffs. No other player has more Super Bowl championships than Brady, and no other NFL franchise has more Super Bowl victories than him alone [7].
Brady gained respect from many of his fellow players, including Southern Miss alum Brett Favre.
“Man, what a run! Greatest to ever play and you did it with class and humility. God bless you and your family as you begin a new chapter in life,�? Favre said on social media.
Brady and Favre played three times, with Brady winning two of the matches. Favre is not the only Golden Eagle that Brady crossed paths with in the NFL, as he played with linebacker Jamie Collins for five total seasons, including a Super Bowl XLIX victory. Collins made All-Pro and led the league in forced fumbles in 2015 alongside Brady.
The New England Patriots drafted Brady from Michigan in the 6th round with pick 199. Brady spent two decades as a Patriot before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 offseason.
As a Patriot, Brady won six Super Bowls and four Super Bowl MVPs. Brady won one of each with the Buccaneers.
Before joining the Buccaneers, Brady held a 4-1 record against the New Orleans Saints. In 2020 and 2021, the Saints became the only divisional opponent to win both regular-season matchups against Brady. In the 2021 season, the only loss Brady and the Buccaneers suffered at home was against the Saints.
In his 21 seasons as a starter, Brady never suffered a losing season. He made the playoffs 19 times, played in 10 Super Bowls and 14 conference championships, both of which are NFL records.
Brady broke many of the passing records held by Favre and Saints legend Drew Brees, which is a testament to his greatness and longevity.
Brady leaves behind a Buccaneer team that won 24 regular-season games during his tenure, which is the best two-year-stretch in team history. Brady will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest athletes in sports history.
He reflected on his legendary career Tuesday by saying, “I feel like the luckiest person in the world.�?
