It was around this time in 2022 that the Internet practically broke from the news of Tom Brady’s retirement from the NFL. Having recently led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2020, the record seven-time champion posted an emotional and heartfelt 960-word statement detailing his decision to call time on an incredible career, which many don’t hesitate to call the Greatest of All Time. But just two months into that retirement, Brady changed his mind. Despite talking about his family and no longer being able to make the “competitive commitment” to continue, he equally wasn’t happy being at home, away from the game he has spent his entire life playing at the highest level. And so he did something few athletes have done before: he renounced his retirement.
Brady’s last season with the NFL has left little to be desired. In that time, the 45-year-old has also had to navigate his own personal challenges by way of a high profile divorce from ex-wife Gisele Bundchen. Perhaps it all gave Brady greater clarity about the next stage of his life and what he wants to get out of it, as he is now retiring again – only this time, he’s done for good.
“I’m retiring – for good,” Brady expressed in a video uploaded to his Twitter and Instagram accounts. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I’d just press record and let you guys know first. It won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.”
Brady added, “Thank you to every single one of you for supporting me – my family, my friends, my team-mates, my competitors. I could go on forever – there’s too many. Thank you for allowing me to live my absolute dream, I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all.”
see you next year.
— Tony X (@soIoucity) February 1, 2023
Brady’s illustrious career has been an inspiring one that even Hollywood would struggle to script. He entered the NFL with little to no fanfare, as the 199th pick for the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 draft. Then a mere lanky freshman, Brady never once shied away from the hard work and slowly began to prove himself on the field. He played his first 20 seasons for the New England Patriots for which he won six Super Bowl titles under coach Bill Belichick, before then playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After 23 seasons, he yielded seven Super Bowl victories, five Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards and three NFL MVP awards.
As Brady expressed in his first retirement post back in 2022, “I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition – if a 100 per cent 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 maximise 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.”
While many have been quick to express their praise for the star and his enduring legacy in the sport, others have taken the news with a pinch of salt, joking about whether they will in fact see Brady again next year. As is evidenced from Brady’s teammates and competitors though, the star quarterback will be greatly missed as the GOAT of the game and someone who raised everyone’s performance on the field.