Tom Brady leaves after 22 seasons and 7 Super Bowls

TAMPA (AP) -- Tom Brady has retired as the greatest quarterback in NFL history after setting many passing records and winning seven Super Bowls.

Tom Brady leaves after 22 seasons and 7 Super Bowls

Brady posted a long Instagram post stating that "this is hard for me to write, however here it goes: It's not going to be a competitive commitment anymore." "I have enjoyed my NFL career and it is now that I am ready to devote my energy and time to other things that need my attention.

Brady, a former professional basketball player, has always stated that he wants to spend more time with his wife Gisele Bundchen and their three children, despite being at the top of his game.

After leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl win last season, Brady is leaving.

On Saturday, news of Brady's imminent retirement broke. His family and the Buccaneers deny that Brady made a decision and he stated Monday night on SiriusXM that he was not ready to make a decision.

This was Tuesday morning.

Brady stated, "I have done a lot in the past week of reflection and have asked myself hard questions." And I am proud of all that we have accomplished. My coaches, teammates, competitors and fans deserve 100% of my efforts. But right now, I feel it's best to leave the field of play for the next generation dedicated and committed athletes.

In his nine-page blog post, Brady thanked the Buccaneers, his teammates and general manager Jason Licht. He also thanked his trainer Alex Guerrero and agents Don Yee as well as his family. He did not mention the New England Patriots where he played his first 20 seasons and won six Super Bowls. After he signed with the Buccaneers, Brady thanked Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

Brady stated that he is still figuring out his future, but he intends to continue his involvement in his TB12 company, Brady clothing company and NFT company.

He said, "I know for certain that I want to spend a lot more time giving back and trying to improve other people's lives, as many have done for my life."

In 2021, Brady was the NFL's leader in yards passing (5316), touchdowns (443), and attempts (719). However, the Buccaneers were defeated at home by the Los Angeles Rams during the divisional round.

Brady is the career leader for yards passing (84520) and touchdowns (624). Brady is the only player to have won more than five Super Bowls, and he was named MVP five times.

Brady is widely considered to be the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. He won three NFL MVP Awards, was a first-team All-Pro three time and was selected to The Pro Bowl fifteen times. In his career, he was 243-73 and 35-12 in playoffs.

Licht stated, "To end a 22-year-old career and still perform at his peak was nothing less than extraordinary." "I wish we could have had more time together with Tom, but I understand his decision to leave the sport to spend more time with his loved ones.

Brady was the 199th pick in 2000's draft. He replaced Drew Bledsoe, who was injured, in 2001. New England won the Super Bowl over the Rams in 2001.

After the 2003-04 season, Brady led the Patriots in consecutive Super Bowl wins. Since then, no team has been crowned champions again.

New England would not win another Super Bowl for a decade. The Patriots lost twice to the New York Giants in Super Bowl.

After the 2014 season, Brady won his fourth ring. In the Super Bowl's greatest comeback, Brady led the Patriots to victory in overtime against Atlanta, after a 28-3 deficit. 5. Brady won his sixth championship after New England defeated the Rams in 2018.

In 2020, he joined the Buccaneers amid a pandemic. He transformed a team that hadn't been to the playoffs in 18 years. Rob Gronkowski, his buddy, came out of retirement and joined him. Together they made the Buccaneers the first Super Bowl team to be played in the stadium.

Arians stated that Arians "set a standard and helped to create a culture which took our team up the mountaintop."

Brady made it to the playoffs 19 times. He won 18 division titles and went 10-4 in conference championships.

Brady started his first game in 2001 on Sept. 30th. Brady was in the center of every game, except for the season-ending injury to his knee in Week 1 (2008) and the four first games in 2016, when he was suspended due to the scandal with the deflated balls.

Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, stated in a statement that he was "an incredible competitor and leader", adding that his stellar career is notable for its longevity as well as the continued excellence he showed year after year.

Brady is known for his hard work ethic, rigorous exercise routine, and strict diet. Brady was also well-known for being more mature.

Brady was 37 when he won four Super Bowls. He also went 17-4 in the playoffs. Brady was 95-30 and completed 65.2% his passes for 35.371 yards, 265 touchdowns, 69 interceptions, and 100.2 passer rating during the regular season.

Brady stated, "I believe the sport of football should be an all-in proposition. If you don't have a 100% competitive commitment, you won't succeed. And success is what I love about our game." Every day presents a new challenge that allows me to reach my full potential. These past 22 years, I have done my best. There is no shortcut to success in the field of sports or life.