Tom Brady officially announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, saying he is going to focus on other areas of his life.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
After more than two decades in the NFL, seven Super Bowls and an incomparable impact on the game, Tom Brady is saying goodbye to football. The legendary QB officially announced his retirement from the NFL via his social media pages on Tuesday morning. The announcement comes just three days after it was reported that Brady would retire from football. However, at the time, Brady pushed back and said a decision had not been made yet.
In total, 20 of Brady's NFL season came with the New England Patriots and two were for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
In a testament to an outstanding career and Brady's anticipated retirement, players and figures from around the National Football League and the greater sports industry at large chimed in to salute the NFL legend.
Tom Brady officially announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, saying he is going to focus on other areas of his life.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
Former Giants quarterback Eli Manning tweeted a video congratulating Brady on his career, saying no one did it better than number 12. Manning emphasized that even after two decades, Brady was still playing at a high level and noted how unique and special TB12's longevity was. The two-time Super Bowl champion could not help but throw in a little dig at his former opponent, thanking Brady for sharing some of his Super Bowls with him, referencing the two times the Giants beat the Patriots in the big game.
Congrats on your retirement Tom. pic.twitter.com/uXvRMO1BhE
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) February 1, 2022
Brady tweeted to Patriots nation, "I'm beyond grateful. Love you all."
Thank You Patriots Nation ❤️
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
I’m beyond grateful. Love you all. https://t.co/kXm2ET27Dk
Tom Brady thanked the Patriots and Patriot Nation though his Instagram story.
“I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ride.”
— Shanna (@shanna_mcc) February 1, 2022
Tom Brady thanked the Patriots & Patriot Nation via his Instagram story.#TomBrady #ThankYouTom pic.twitter.com/Acp1qN9MEc
The Boston Red Sox called Brady the GOAT.
Congrats to the GOAT on an incredible career.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 1, 2022
Thank you for all that you brought to the sports world over these last 22 years. pic.twitter.com/qsIcVNNXy9
Peyton Manning released a statement through his production company. The on-field rival, off-field friend said, "It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field."
"It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field."
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) February 1, 2022
Peyton Manning on @TomBrady's retirement: pic.twitter.com/yuGQwCCn6B
The Jets then sent out a real congratulations.
But seriously, congrats on a first-ballot, Hall of Fame career, @TomBrady.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 1, 2022
We may not miss seeing you on the field, but the entire football world will. pic.twitter.com/sgvPfpUa7B
The Jets don't seem too upset about it.
this better be real
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 1, 2022
Patriots owner Robert Kraft released a statement, calling the team's time with Brady "a dream come true."
A privilege to watch and a dream come true.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2022
Statement from Robert Kraft on Tom Brady: https://t.co/YsXbvFx12d pic.twitter.com/r6zIMHKCU1
Jimmie Johnson tweeted, "Congrats and thank you for the journey you have taken us on @TomBrady. It's been inspiring in so many ways. to the 7X club."
Congrats and thank you for the journey you have taken us on @TomBrady. It’s been inspiring in so many ways. 🍻 to the 7X club. https://t.co/rn8U1l9KzN
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 1, 2022
Longtime teammate and friend Tedy Bruschi posted a photo and said, "You did your job better than anyone ever has. Well done, my friend."
You did your job better than anyone ever has. Well done, my friend. pic.twitter.com/VW6PzTkTSB
— Tedy Bruschi (@TedyBruschi) February 1, 2022
The Colts joked about the retirement, using a SpongeBob clip in their tribute. Not sure they are really going to miss him that much.
Going to miss you, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/u0at0Ek1Ox
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 1, 2022
The Patriots wrote, "It was quite the ride. Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady," along with a photo of him riding off into the sunset with seven Lombardi Trophies.
It was quite the ride.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2022
Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/0gPwUROEkz
Brady's final time at Gillette Stadium as a player:
📹 @TomBrady waves to the @GilletteStadium fans leaving the field after his return to Foxboro on October 3, 2021 shot by @WBZPhotog #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/byoieWjX7Z
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) February 1, 2022
The Buccaneers wrote, "Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you, 12."
Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you, 1⃣2⃣.#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/m9ipziiFmn
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 1, 2022
Brady retires with more Super Bowls (7) than any franchise in the NFL.
🐐 stuff pic.twitter.com/bclxBuHsJd
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 1, 2022
The Buccaneers responded with emojis.
♥️🙏
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 1, 2022
Brady will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027.
With the news of @TomBrady's retirement today, he would first be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027.@Patriots | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/Rh44Dy0ZfI
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 1, 2022
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement calling Brady an "incredible competitor and leader." He added that, "Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments."
A statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the retirement of Tom Brady. pic.twitter.com/jkuDjeRVjE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 1, 2022
Olympian Michael Phelps wrote, "Congrats bro! Enjoy the next chapter."
Tyrann Mathieu wrote, "The Great one!!! what a career man!! Now onto bigger and better things! You'll forever be remembered as the standard!! Loved going to battle against you!! Enjoy the family & time off!! It's been a long 22 years for you! Grateful to ply against the best ever!" on Brady's Instagram post.
Shaquille O'Neal commented on TB12's Instagram post saying, "no man get your butt up and do one more year" and "love u bro absolute joy to watch."
Cardinals' JJ Watt commented on Brady's Instagram post saying, "Congratulations and enjoy the next chapter brother. Greatest of All Time."
The Denver Broncos wrote, "We've had some memorable battles over the years, @TomBrady. Congrats on an incredible career!"
We’ve had some memorable battles over the years, @TomBrady.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 1, 2022
Congrats on an incredible career! pic.twitter.com/FlSro9FtSe
It is officially official.
Now official: Tom Brady has retired. pic.twitter.com/DFOeqEXW6e
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 1, 2022
Brady has a few records on his resume.
Can now officially say the GOAT has retired. pic.twitter.com/8aEpA7c79A
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 1, 2022
His final slide focused on the future, ending with, "With much love, appreciation, and gratitude, Tom."
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
He thanked his family for their support and sacrifice over his 22 year career. Looking back, he says he is thinking of all the great players and coaches he got to play against. He says he feels like "the luckiest person in the world."
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
The seven-time Super Bowl champion continued, thanking everyone in the Buccaneers organization, where he spent the last two years.
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
Brady explained the thought and reflection that went into this decision, concluding that it is "best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022