Tom Brady makes it official; he is retiring from the NFL after 22 seasons and seven Super Bowl wins. After days of conflicting reports and speculations of retirement, the Tampa Bay Quarterback released a lengthy statement expressing that “it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.” He voices that this was a difficult decision and took lots of time to reflect as he loves the game he plays. Rumors surfaced that Brady was retiring after he lost in the playoffs against the Rams. However, many supporters believed that he would never retire on a loss and that it was just a false accusation. Not even 24 hours before announcing his retirement, ESPN reporter Jeff Howe stated “Tom Brady called the Bucs late this afternoon to inform them he’s not even close to making a decision about retirement, according to a source.” Clearly this was a difficult decision for Tom Brady, but he is ready to face the next big chapter in his life. 

At the end of the 2019 season, the former quarterback of the New England Patriots set out to prove that he could still win without being associated with the Patriots and was sent off as a free agent. This was the first time in history that Tom Brady was ever a free agent. However, that didn’t last too long as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked him up and eventually Brady signed as their new 2020 quarterback. The Tampa Bay fans went crazy over the Tom Brady signing. The Buccaneers had an amazing 2020 season. As they improved on their 7–9 record from the previous season by finishing 11-5, which qualified them for the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Not only did they qualify for the playoffs, but they became the 2021 Super Bowl Champions. Brady helped the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl since 2003. After having an amazing first season with Tom Brady, the Buccaneers were excited to start their 2021-2022 season. Their opening game of the season was against the Cowboys; they won 31-29. Their winning streak continued, but their season got progressively harder. They entered the playoffs with a record of 13-4, but endured a tough loss against the Rams which ultimately ended their season. All in all, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played with their heart and it showed on the field. Like Connie Mack once said “You can’t win them all.” 

Tom Brady first started playing football at the age of four. He committed to the University of Michigan in 1995 for football. His ability to throw the ball and communicate with his players is something that coaches recognized. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Patriots and nobody knew that he would become the greatest quarterback of all time. Tom Brady was never supposed to be a five time Super Bowl champion and headlines reported that. The day after the draft, a local newspapers wrote “What’s? with that??” The article went on to say, “Why another quarterback? The Patriots already have their franchise starter in Drew Bledsoe, a proven veteran backup in John Friesz, and a young developmental player in Michael Bishop.” Brady may have been a surprise to the Patriots, however, he was the best surprise they could have ever received. Brady became the starting quarterback after replacing Bledsoe. Once Brady took over, they ended the season 11-5, advancing in the playoffs to then win the Super Bowl. Since winning their first Super Bowl in 2002, fans have looked at Brady as the King of the Patriots. Brady led the Patriots to 17 division titles, 13 AFC Championship Games, 9 Super Bowl appearances and 6 Super Bowl wins. Tom Brady won his seventh Super Bowl with the Buccaneers during his first season at the helm.

 He has accomplished a lot in the industry and that is why he is known as the GOAT of the NFL. His retirement comes as a shock to many NFL fans. The Owner of the Patriots, Robert Kraft, may have said it best: “Words cannot describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career. A generation of football fans have grown up knowing only an NFL in which Tom Brady dominated.” Farewell, Tom, the NFL will miss you.