Tom Brady officially announces retirement from the NFL

Brady is a seven-time Super Bowl champion

NFL legend Tom Brady has officially announced his retirement from the sport after 22 seasons in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback - a seven-time Super Bowl champion - has called time on his football career. The 44-year-old spent the first 20 years of his career at New England Patriots, before moving to the Bucs in March 2020. Brady had previously stated that he was keen to play until he was 45 - which he would've achieved if he'd have played until his birthday in August.

However, following intense speculation over the weekend, Brady has announced his retirement from the NFL on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcDCOOr-v4/ His statement read: "I have always believed that 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 maximise 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 NFL announced that the legendary quarterback was retiring after an incredibly successful career on Saturday, but Brady has now confirmed the news himself. https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1487513774802313220?s=21 He is a five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time NFL MVP, 15-time Pro Bowl, six-time All Pro, the NFL's all time passing TD leader and the NFL's all passing yard leader.

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