The NFL will never be the same. For 22 seasons, Tom Brady has set the world on fire, building a career as the greatest quarterback in the game’s history.
Word leaked Saturday that Brady had played his final season, but not wanting to interfere with the hype and excitement of the conference championship games, Brady held off on confirming the rumors.
Until now. He made the announcement on his Instagram account Tuesday morning.
“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. 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. I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. 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.”
The big question is why? Brady has talked for years about wanting to play until he was 45 years old. That would mean one more season, at least. But even after leading the NFL in touchdown passes and yards this past season, the narrative shifted after the Bucs lost to the Rams in the divisional playoffs, and he opened the door that we may have seen the last of him in a helmet.
Brady has talked about spending more time with his family, and he will certainly have that opportunity now.
We’ll have to see how he handles all this free time, but he leaves the game with seven Super Bowl titles and career records for touchdown passes (624), passing yards (84,250), and dozens of other milestones that most likely will never be eclipsed.
The most interesting aspect of Brady’s announcement on IG was the fact there was not one mention of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, or anyone else. Brady offered generous praise and thanks to the entire Tampa Bay Bucs organization, the city, his teammates, coaches and fans.
Hmmm…
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