Tom Brady officially announced retirement on Instagram
The legendary quarterback released a lengthy goodbye letter to the sport, his teammates, and coaches
No one fought with Father Time quite like Tom Brady. At 44 years old, he’s an outlier in the American sports landscape, especially in a brutal game like football. However, this chapter of his life is over. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced on Instagram Tuesday morning that he’s closing the curtain on his illustrious 22-year career. There won’t be another round in the ring between Brady and Father Time.
“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,” Brady wrote. “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.”
“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.”
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington and Adam Schefter jointly reported Brady’s intent to retire on Jan. 29, but the superstar quarterback’s representatives, including his father, pushed back against the narrative.
At the time, Tom Brady Sr. told NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, “This story Mike is total conjecture. Tommy has not made a final decision one way or the other and anybody else that says that he has is absolutely wrong.”
Brady’s inevitable departure from football comes days after the initial ESPN report. He leaves the NFL as the league’s all-time leader in pass attempts (11,317), completions (7,263), yards (84,520), and touchdowns (624).
“I am so proud of what we have achieved,” Brady wrote. “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.”
“I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
Brady joins Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger in the latest crop of longtime quarterbacks to exit the NFL stage. Both become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.