Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, considered the greatest player in NFL history, has officially announced his retirement.
Speculation about an impending retirement had been rife in recent weeks, but the 44-year-old finally put the rumors to bed last night.
In a lengthy Instagram post, an emotional Brady said he felt now was the right time to hang up the headgear.
“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 said.
“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.”
He continued by saying his “playing career has been such a thrilling ride, beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs”.
“When you’re in it every day, you really don’t think about any kind of ending,” Brady said.
“As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to pay with and against. The competition was fierce and deep, just how we like it. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and just as deep.
“I will remember and cherish these memories and visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.”
Brady finished by admitting “the future is exciting”, adding that his focus now turns to his “greatest achievement,” which he says is his family.
Brady wraps up his outsanding NFL career having played in a record seven Super Bowl wins across 22 seasons with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucaneers.
