TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and all-around NFL legend Tom Brady is retiring — what seems like for good this time.
Brady made the announcement in a laid-back social media video sitting on the beach, expressing how grateful he is for the support over the years.
"Good morning, guys. I'll get to the point right away. I'm retiring — for good," he said.
The announcement comes exactly one year after Brady first retired in 2022, only to return to the sport just weeks later to play a third season in Tampa Bay — his 23rd with the league.
The G.O.A.T. opted for a much simpler announcement compared to last year's lengthy social media essay.
"You only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year," he joked. He went on to thank his family, friends, teammates and competitors.
"Thank you, guys, for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing," Brady said, holding back tears. "Love you all."
After a lackluster 2022 regular season and a public divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen in October, Brady and the Bucs were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in a Wild Card game against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys.
It was a disappointing end that sparked widespread rumors of an official Brady retirement.
Still, the 45-year-old walks away as the NFL career leader in passing yards (89,214) and passing touchdowns (649). As the only player with seven Super Bowl rings and five Super Bowl MVP titles, Brady is regarded as the greatest player the sport has ever seen.
“I have always had the utmost respect for Tom Brady as a football player, as a winner and as a person," Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles said in a statement.
"It wasn’t until he joined us three years ago that I was able to truly appreciate him as a teammate. Even before I became head coach, we communicated often and had a strong relationship built on mutual respect and a desire to win."
Brady won six of those Super Bowls with the New England Patriots in the 20 seasons he spent playing for coach Bill Belichick. He joined the Buccaneers in 2020, leading them to their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
“Tom’s impact on our franchise these past three years has been immense and we are appreciative of the time we had with him here in Tampa Bay," the Glazer Family wrote in a statement.
"He set an exceptional standard that elevated our entire organization to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history. Tom’s impact will be felt within our community for many years to come and we will forever be grateful for those unforgettable memories that he provided during these final seasons of his legendary career."
Both teams thanked Brady on Twitter, with the Bucs tweeting, "#ThankYouTom 🙏🐐" and the Patriots simply sharing a GIF of how most of us will remember Brady — with his hands full of Super Bowl rings.
“Tom’s legacy is unmatched in the history of this game. All the Super Bowl titles and statistical records speak for themselves, but the impact he had on so many people through the years is what I appreciate the most," General Manager Jason Licht said in a statement. "We will certainly miss him as our quarterback, but I will also miss him as a leader and friend."
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor wrote in a statement: "The GOAT will always be a part of our Champa Bay family. Thank you, Tom, for the grit, spirit, and amazing memories. We'll look for you out on the golf course!"
