After 22 professional seasons in the National Football League, future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady finally called it a career on Monday following a lengthy post to Instagram.
Brady, who really needs no introduction, retires from football as a seven-time Super Bowl champion, a three-time NFL MVP, the NFL’s all-time touchdown leader, and countless other accomplishments and accolades. Quite simply, he rewrote most of the NFL record book, earning “GOAT” (Greatest of All-Time) status.
“I have always believed 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,” Brady said on Instagram. “There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize 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.”
You can read Brady’s full retirement announcement through the slides within his Instagram post.
Thank You Patriots Nation ??
I’m beyond grateful. Love you all. https://t.co/kXm2ET27Dk
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022
An outpouring of support later flooded social media from old teammates to longtime rivals and even other members of Boston’s sports teams. Take a look at all of the best reactions to Tom Brady’s retirement below.
Patriots Teammates (Dynasty 1.0):
https://twitter.com/Andruzzi63/status/1488722610858999812?s=20&t=0LEPbntIDWRRqAhv5QouYA
https://twitter.com/koppen67/status/1488547829090074628?s=20&t=0LEPbntIDWRRqAhv5QouYA
https://twitter.com/chatham58/status/1488546186143453187?s=20&t=0LEPbntIDWRRqAhv5QouYA
One thing’s certain w/ today’s news: the Tom Brady haters lost—& they lost huge. He not only didn’t fall off the cliff, he walked away w/ a strong[est] case for MVP at 44. He never declined. He just took a knee when way ahead, deciding himself when the game was over. Boss move.
— Matt Chatham (@chatham58) February 1, 2022
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcGyZVl0Ty/
@TomBrady I don't have all the space to put into words about 22 years of dominance.I will never forget our 1st game against the JETS.The memories that we created will last me FOREVER!Now u can take the chip off ur shoulder?!?Luv u tboy????#congrats12 pic.twitter.com/yWg3uduAOQ
— Randy Moss (@RandyMoss) February 1, 2022
Patriots Teammates (Dynasty 2.0):
https://twitter.com/insidetheNFL/status/1488648101254635520?s=20&t=0LEPbntIDWRRqAhv5QouYA
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZdFSESASMv/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcaN7zvPz4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcQwYQOr5a/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVA8skvZ-F/
https://twitter.com/BumpNrunGilm0re/status/1488531591366389774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1488531591366389774%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Ftom-brady-says-farewell-nfl-community-reacts-to-legendary-qb-officially-announci
Buccaneers Teammates:
Was an honor to play along side of you. Congrats on retirement TB! @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/RYvOp0a5Wf
— Scotty Miller (@MillerTime___10) February 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/DevinWhite__40/status/1487513779378298881?s=20&t=YMnAMYVWZ74Irt7wBOd_cQ
https://twitter.com/T_muhneyy10/status/1487534898084814848?s=20&t=YMnAMYVWZ74Irt7wBOd_cQ
https://twitter.com/RSherman_25/status/1487519682923950081?s=20&t=YMnAMYVWZ74Irt7wBOd_cQ
NFL Teams:
It was quite the ride.
Thank you and congratulations, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/0gPwUROEkz
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/Buccaneers/status/1488527450984398857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1488527450984398857%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Ftom-brady-says-farewell-nfl-community-reacts-to-legendary-qb-officially-announci
"It was an honor and a privilege to share 19 years together with Tom in New England and I'm a better person for having been around him."
GM Nick Caserio on @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/HAUqgpjSg4
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) February 1, 2022
Going to miss you, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/u0at0Ek1Ox
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 1, 2022
Congratulations on the career of all @NFL careers, @TomBrady.
We were honored to have been in your division so long to watch your greatness first hand.
(JK we’re still getting over it.) pic.twitter.com/jbjWq1yxjc
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) February 1, 2022
But seriously, congrats on a first-ballot, Hall of Fame career, @TomBrady.
We may not miss seeing you on the field, but the entire football world will. pic.twitter.com/sgvPfpUa7B
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 1, 2022
On February 5, 2006, the Seahawks made their first Super Bowl appearance. Tom Brady flipped the coin. The Seahawks won the toss.
Thank you, @TomBrady. pic.twitter.com/0f40sx8DMU
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 1, 2022
NFL Community:
Congrats to the Greatest. @TomBrady #12
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 1, 2022
I think I can officially do this.. When the time comes, When you know you know.. Congrats on the greatest career the @NFL has ever seen!! All love @TomBrady
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) February 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/jalenramsey/status/1488552358829191169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1488552358829191169%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Ftom-brady-says-farewell-nfl-community-reacts-to-legendary-qb-officially-announci
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1488604315220529152?s=20&t=0LEPbntIDWRRqAhv5QouYA
Congrats on your retirement Tom. pic.twitter.com/uXvRMO1BhE
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) February 1, 2022
From Ben:
Most of the time in sports the "Greatest Of All Time" is an opinion. I am Thankful that I got to compete against you, and even more grateful that my kids actually watched the Greatest Of All Time, @TomBrady. #GOAT pic.twitter.com/o7neBHeFNP
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) February 2, 2022
Congrats @tombrady on an amazing 22-year career. 7 Super Bowls (wish it was 6) and countless other records will be hard for anyone to pass. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/h85UvWUbMA
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) February 1, 2022
Much respect Tom. Unbelievable career. Best of luck with your next chapter. pic.twitter.com/uKDv5Eax9S
— Nick Foles (@NickFoles) February 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/Mark_Sanchez/status/1488534216421879816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1488534216421879816%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Ftom-brady-says-farewell-nfl-community-reacts-to-legendary-qb-officially-announci
When I think about Tom Brady, he’s a true winner who handled himself with class throughout his entire career.
Even with those seven Super Bowl rings, he never lost that competitive fire to be the best.
Congratulations, @TomBrady, on a tremendous career! https://t.co/bXmwUo3bc8
— John Elway (@johnelway) February 1, 2022
Congratulation @tombrady on a career we will never see the likes of again. No one has done more for our game or represented the game and themselves better than you. Enjoy your beautiful family and much deserved “retirement”
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) February 1, 2022
Congratulations @TomBrady on an incredible career. See you in Canton!
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) February 2, 2022
Boston Sports Community:
Congrats to the GOAT on an incredible career.
Thank you for all that you brought to the sports world over these last 22 years. pic.twitter.com/qsIcVNNXy9— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 1, 2022
Unforgettable memories of a true champion…
Cheers @tombrady, thank you for letting us witness greatness!
Wish you the best! pic.twitter.com/mkDLoCdI7p
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) February 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1488568995888316418?s=20&t=6vRIsASWeiPJqEyPH-hIXQ
"His will to win was bar none. The best I've seen and witnessed. It was a pleasure to watch for 22 years…amazing career and a well-deserved retirement." – Patrice Bergeron on the retirement of @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/l6jS4ycMVT
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/jaytatum0/status/1487514480430878720?s=20&t=awoyqa5bDBqQUf_KdKO7kw
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