Tom Brady retires from NFL ‘for good’ in emotional video
The 45-year-old retired on the same day last year before reversing his decision and returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in history, has retired from the NFL.
A seven-time Super Bowl champion and an enduring face of the league during a more-than 20-year career, Brady bows out of the sport as the all-time passing yard and touchdown leader.
The 45-year-old initially announced his retirement in February last year, but reversed his decision 40 days later to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But, after an 8-9 season led to an exit in the wildcard round of the playoffs, Brady insists his career is now concluded “for good”.
“I’m retiring... for good,” Brady said in an emotional video released on social media a year to the day on from his first, temporary retirement. “I know the process was a pretty big deal last time so when I woke up this morning I figured I would just press record and let you guys know.
“You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.”
A symbol of the New England Patriots dynasty that has dominated the AFC since the turn of the century, Brady was thrice crowned as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and has the most wins of any player in NFL history.
He was selected to an All-Pro team on six occasions and led the league in passing touchdowns in five single seasons.
In combination with head coach Bill Belichick, Brady led the Patriots to six Super Bowls after an unconventional route to quarterback stardom.
An unheralded college performer at Michigan, the California native was drafted in the sixth round but emerged as the Patriots starter in his second season, helping the franchise secure their first Lombardi Trophy.
After a 20-year tenure in Foxborough, Brady signed with the Buccaneers in March 2020 and achieve immediate success, being named Super Bowl MVP for a fifth time as he secured his seventh NFL crown.
He led the league in passing in his penultimate NFL season and closes his career with 89,214 passing yards, 649 passing touchdowns and more than 250 regular season wins.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments