Former Michigan QB, NFL legend Tom Brady retires after 22 years

Former Michigan quarterback and NFL legend Tom Brady, 44, has officially announced his retirement after 22 seasons in the league via a Twitter thread.

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— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 1, 2022

“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition — if a 100 percent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game,” Tom Brady wrote. “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 percent of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.

“To my Bucs teammates the past two years, I love you guys, and I have loved going to battle with you. You have dug so deep to challenge yourself, and it inspired me to wake up every day and give you my best. I am always here for you guys and want to see you continue to push yourselves to be your best. I couldn’t be happier with what we accomplished together.

“To all the Bucs fans, thank you. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived here, but your support and embrace have enriched my life and that of my family. I have been honored to play for such a passionate and fun fan base. What a Krewe!!!

“To the city of Tampa and the entire Tampa-St. Petersburg region, thank you. It has been wonderful to be a resident of such a fun place to live. I want to be invited to our next boat parade!

“To the Glazer family, thank you for taking a chance on me and supporting me. I know I was demanding at times, but you provided everything we needed to win, and your ownership was everything a player could ask for.

“To [general manager] Jason Licht, thank you for your daily support and friendship — I will never forget it. I had never been through free agency, and I had some trepidation about how we could achieve success. Your leadership gave me confidence, and I will always be grateful.

“To my head coach Bruce Arians, thanks for putting up with me! Your firm leadership and guidance were ideal. There is no way we could have had success without your experience, intuition and wisdom. I am very grateful.

“To all the Bucs coaches, my sincere thanks for all the hard work, dedication and discipline that goes into creating a winning team. I have learned so much from all of you and will value the relationships we have.

“To every single Bucs staffer and employee, thank you,” Tom Brady continued. “Each of you is critically important, and I was greeted with a smile every day. That means so much to me. Your work is made up of long ours and hard tasks, but please know I see each and every one of you. Thank you so much.

“To [trainer] Alex Guerrero, thank you. I could never had made every Sunday without you; it’s that simple. Your dedication to your craft and our friendship and brotherhood are immeasurable. We have an unbreakable bond, and I love you.

“To [agents] Don Yee and Steve Dubin, thank you. You’ve been with me every step of the way since I left the University of Michigan and before I entered the league. What a journey it’s been, and I couldn’t do it without you.

“To my parents and entire family (and extended family of countless friends), I love you and thank you for your never-ending support and love,” Tom Brady continued. “I could have never imagined all the time and energy you have given for me the past 30 years in football. I can never repay you. And just know I love you so much.

“And lastly to my wife, Gisele, and my children Jack, Benny and Vivi. You are my inspiration. Our family is my greatest achievement. I always came off the field and home to the most loving and supportive wife who has done EVERYTHING for our family to allow me to focus on my career. Her selflessness allowed me to reach new heights professionally, and I am beyond words what you mean to me and our family. Te amo amor da minha vida.

Added Tom Brady: “My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups a and downs. When you’re in it every single day, you don’t really think about any kind of ending. As I sit here now, however, I think all of the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against — the competition was fierce and deep, JUST HOW WE LIKE IT. But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and re-visit them often. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

Tom Brady continued to express his excitement for the future of his multiple companies, before signing off: “With much love, appreciation and gratitude, Tom.”

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Tom Brady Leaves Football As All-Time Greatest Player

At Michigan, Tom Brady started 25 games in 1998 and ’99, and completed 61.9 of his passes for 4,773 yards in his career. He went 20-5 as the starting signal-caller, beat Ohio State in 1999 and led the Wolverines to a thrilling overtime victory over Alabama to cap off that same season. Brady was also a part of the Wolverines’ 1997 national championship team and won two Big Ten titles, often crediting much of his success and love for competition to his time in Ann Arbor.

The California native played with the New England Patriots for 20 years, winning six Super Bowls, before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2020 season. He led his new team to a Super Bowl, his seventh (the most by any player in history), in his first year, before falling in the divisional round this past season.

Tom Brady has won more games (278), threw more passes (13,172), completed more throws (8,428), tossed more touchdowns (710) and accumulated more passing yards (97,569) than any other player in NFL history. He was a five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time NFL MVP and three-time first-team All-Pro.

The five-time NFL passing touchdowns leader is in contention for the NFL’s MVP award this season, after completing 67.5 percent of his passes for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns during the regular season. He was selected to his 15th Pro Bowl.