On Feb. 1, Tom Brady announced his retirement from the National Football League(NFL) for the second time. Exactly one year prior, Brady had retired at the end of the 2022 season only to announce he would be returning a month later.
This time around, Brady made it very apparent that there would be no third retirement announcement.
“I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring, for good,” said Brady via Twitter.
Brady is the only player to win seven super bowls and also be a five-time super bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP).
I definitely enjoyed Brady as a Patriot even though he ended his career in Tampa. Brady managed to end his career by leading the NFL in career passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649). Whether it was Tampa or New England there was no doubt when TB12 was under center you know he would give it his all for 23 years.
Former teammate Rob Gronkowski is in shock.
“I felt like Tom could play until 50 years old. … But he chose to hang it up at 45, and I’m proud of him. I’m proud to be his teammate,” said Gronkowski. “I’m proud of everything he has accomplished. I’m just happy for him, whatever he chooses to do next.’’
Interestingly enough, Tom Brady signed a 10 year, $375 million contract with Fox Sports as a head analyst just shortly after his retirement announcement. Although Brady and Gronkowski may never play again, there is a chance they may share the same broadcasting booth.
I enjoyed the man’s craft and intelligence when playing the game of football. I could never have imagined the success that he would accumulate in his 23 years of playing football at the professional level.
Brady, a sixth round pick by the New England Patriots, was hardly recognizable when he stepped on the field for training camp. Owner Robert Kraft would often confuse him for tight end Kyle Brady.
Soon enough, Brady would become recognizable after taking the starting job from Drew Bledsoe in the 2001 season. Led by Brady, the Patriots would win in a close Super Bowl matchup against the St. Louis Rams, who were nicknamed “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Brady would win the superbowl MVP for the first time and proved his worth as much more than a game manager. Although lacking in athleticism, his awareness in the pocket and ability to make the throws that many cannot is why he was on the path to success.
After that year, the rest is history. TB12, we commend you for your efforts and your hard work for all of 23 years.