Tom Brady announces retirement

Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in NFL history, on Tuesday confirmed his plans to retire following a 22-season career in the league.

>> Read more trending news

In a series of social media posts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback said he has “always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition -- if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed.”

“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore,” he wrote. “I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”

The announcement followed a weekend of speculation over whether Brady, who won six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and one with the Buccaneers, planned to end his career in the NFL. Brady has long stated his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and three children despite still playing at the top of his game.

>> Related: Despite reports, Tom Brady apparently undecided about retirement

“I’ve done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions,” the 44-year-old wrote Tuesday. “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.”

In a social media post, officials with the Buccaneers thanked Brady for his time on the team, writing that he was “forever a part of Buccaneers history.”

Brady threw for an NFL-record 84,250 yards and 624 touchdowns during his career. He spent his first 20 seasons with the Patriots, where he won Super Bowl titles after the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons.

Brady appeared in a record 10 Super Bowls, winning seven times. He led the Patriots to a perfect regular season in 2007, making the Patriots the second NFL team to finish a regular season with an unbeaten and untied record.

Brady led the NFL in yards passing (5,316), touchdowns (43), completions (485) and attempts (719) during the 2021 season. He led Tampa Bay to its first Super Bowl title since the 2002 season and the team’s first divisional crown since 2007.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 22

Tom Brady TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 23: Tom Brady (12) of the Buccaneers is all smiles before the regular season game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 23, 2020 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

©2022 Cox Media Group