The GOAT Hangs 'Em Up: Tom Brady Announces Retirement

They are rumors no more. Though word spread last weekend that Tom Brady would not be returning for a 23rd NFL season, Brady refrained from confirming or denying the whispers.

Until today. The 44-year old Brady has officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

"Now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention," Brady said in a retirement announcement made via his social media accounts.

Brady leaves as the most decorated player in league history: seven Super Bowl titles, five Super Bowl MVPs, three regular season MVP awards, the most passing yards and passing touchdowns in NFL history, and a slew of other accolades and records.

He spent the first 20 seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, and played his last two season with Tampa Bay. When he guided the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win last season, he became the oldest player to win a Super Bowl at 43 years, 6 months and 5 days.

In his retirement announcement, Brady stated that he can no longer commit 100% to the game:

"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. 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.

He continued: "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. I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

Brady's full retirement thread can be found here.

Thanks for the memories, Tom.

 

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